Evaluation of Postural Balance and Articular Mobility of the Lower Limbs in Chronic Neck Pain Patients by Means of Low-Cost Clinical Tests

Pamela Karine Alvino Gomes; Rhoanie Barros Costa Silva; Isabela Maria Dantas de Freitas; Cid André Fidelis de Paula Gomes; Cesário da Silva Souza; Natanael Teixeira Alves de Sousa; Almir Vieira Dibai-Filho

doi:10.1016/j.jmpt.2018.03.006

Evaluation of Postural Balance and Articular Mobility of the Lower Limbs in Chronic Neck Pain Patients by Means of Low-Cost Clinical Tests

J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2018 Oct;41(8):658-664. doi: 10.1016/j.jmpt.2018.03.006. Epub 2018 Dec 17.

Authors

Pamela Karine Alvino Gomes¹, Rhoanie Barros Costa Silva¹, Isabela Maria Dantas de Freitas¹, Cid André Fidelis de Paula Gomes², Cesário da Silva Souza¹, Natanael Teixeira Alves de Sousa¹, Almir Vieira Dibai-Filho³

Affiliations

¹ Department of Physical Therapy, Tiradentes University Center, Maceió, AL, Brazil.
² Department of Physical Therapy, Nove de Julho University, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
³ Department of Physical Education, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, MA, Brazil. Electronic address: dibaifilho@gmail.com.

PMID: 30573196
DOI: 10.1016/j.jmpt.2018.03.006

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to correlate measurements of chronic neck pain with the balance and mobility of the lower limbs and to compare these variables between individuals with chronic neck pain and asymptomatic participants.

Methods: This was a blinded cross-sectional study. Participants with chronic neck pain (n = 30) and asymptomatic participants (n = 30) were included in the study. To measure pain in the neck region, the Numeric Rating Scale, Neck Disability Index, and Pain-Related Catastrophizing Thoughts Scale were applied. The assessment of postural balance and mobility of the lower limbs was made using the Timed Up and Go Test, Functional Reach Test (FRT), Lateral Reach Test, and 30-second Chair Stand Test.

Results: No statistically (P > .05) and clinically (d < 0.50) significant differences were identified for the variables tested here. However, regarding the correlations, a significant association was identified only between the intensity of pain during cervical movements and FRT (r = -0.312).

Conclusion: Young adults with chronic neck pain present changes in static balance measured by means of the FRT; that is, the higher the intensity of pain, the lower the anteroposterior excursion of the body during the execution of the test.

Keywords: Musculoskeletal Pain; Neck Pain; Postural Balance.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Chronic Pain / physiopathology*
Cross-Sectional Studies
Female
Humans
Lower Extremity*
Male
Middle Aged
Movement
Neck Pain / physiopathology*
Pain Threshold
Postural Balance / physiology*
Range of Motion, Articular / physiology*
Time and Motion Studies
Young Adult