Investigation of wrist proprioception, grip strength and fine motor skills in individuals with chronic neck pain

Abstract

Aim: This study was conducted to compare wrist proprioception, grip strength and fine motor skills between individuals with chronic neck pain and those without neck pain. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 40 young people aged 18-25 with and without neck pain. After taking the sociodemographic characteristics of the participants, their pain intensity was evaluated with the Numerical Pain Scale (NPS), their cervical region functionality was evaluated with the Neck 29 Disability Index (NDI), and their mental status was evaluated with the Beck Depression Scale (BDS). A goniometric platform was used to evaluate wrist joint position perception in four different positions (flexion, extension, radial and ulnar deviation). Participants' gross hand grip was measured with a Jamar hand dynamometer. Coordinated movements and skills of hands, fingers and arms were evaluated with the Purdue Pegboard Test, and wrist joint range of motion values were evaluated with a universal goniometer. Results: Participants with neck pain were found to have moderate neck pain (4.38±1.68) and mild to moderate disability in terms of neck disability levels. A statistically significant difference was found in terms of insomnia problems in participants with neck pain compared to those without neck pain (p<0.01). A significant difference was found in Beck depression levels between these groups (p<0.05). There were no significant differences between joint position perception, gross grip strength, and fine motor skills of participants with and without neck pain (p>0.05). Conclusion: In conclusion, wrist position perception, grip strength and fine motor skill results were similar in young people with and without chronic neck pain. These findings highlight that chronic neck pain may be linked to other physiological or psychosocial factors and therefore, it emphasizes the importance of adopting a broader perspective.