Differences in sensorimotor integration, cervical sensorimotor control, and cognitive-motor dual tasking costs in chronic non-specific neck pain patients with high vs. low catastrophizing tendencies compared to healthy controls.

Abstract

Chronic non-specific neck pain (CNSNP) is a common condition and its relationship to the pain catastrophizing construct in terms of sensorimotor functions and dual task performance is not fully understood. We aimed to investigate the differences in sensorimotor integration, cervical sensorimotor control, and cognitive-motor dual tasking abilities between CNSNP patients (> 3 months) with high versus low catastrophizing tendencies and healthy controls. Ninety participants were recruited, 30 asymptomatic controls, and 60 patients with CNSNP; 30 scoring high (> 75th percentile) and 30 scoring low (< 25th percentile) on the pain catastrophizing scale (PCS). The variables of sensorimotor integration (frontal N30 amplitude), cervical sensorimotor control (head repositioning accuracy (HRA) - left and right), and cognitive-motor dual tasking (percentage of gait speed time increase with a cognitive load) were assessed and compared across groups. In general, performance of sensorimotor integration, cervical sensorimotor control, and cognitive-motor dual tasking abilities was incrementally better comparing the high to low catastrophizing groups, and the low catastrophizing group to the controls. Correlation coefficients between PCS and HRA (left and right) was strong (r = .8, p < 0.001), between PCS and dual tasking cost was moderate (r = .7, p < 0.001), and between PCS and frontal N30 amplitude was moderate (r = .57, p < 0.001). In conclusion, we found that higher pain catastrophizing was associated with poorer sensorimotor integration, cervical sensorimotor control, and cognitive-motor dual tasking in CNSNP patients highlighting the importance of both assessing and treating catastrophizing in the treatment of CNSNP. PERSPECTIVE: This study highlights the significant impact of pain catastrophizing on sensorimotor integration, cervical sensorimotor control, and cognitive-motor dual tasking in CNSNP patients. High catastrophizers are particularly vulnerable to these impairments, suggesting the need for comprehensive treatment approaches that address both psychological as well as physical components.