Influence de stimulations nociceptives sur le sens de repositionnement céphalique

Abstract

The goal of this study was to evaluate the impact of nociceptive stimuli upon the cervical proprioception ability.

Method

Thirty healthy young subjects performed a cervicocephalic relocation test (CRT) in two random conditions: the first one was based on a nociceptive electric stimulation called condition “pain”, whereas the second one was targeting a painless electric condition called condition “control”. The CRT consisted of repositioning the head on the trunk, after an active transversal movement of the head in the transverse field with closed eyes. The pointing was recorded at the beginning and at the end of each rotation using a custom video acquisition system.

Results

The average mean of error repositioning was worth 3.98 ± 0.99° (average mean, standard deviation) in the condition “pain”, and 1.75 ± 0.37° in the condition “control” (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Acute pain provokes a disturbance of the cervical proprioception ability without damaging the anatomic structure. This observation suggests the interest of an early follow-up of the pain to avoid sensory disturbances, as well as the establishment of a cervical proprioceptive rehabilitation program after an algic event.