Comparison of Cervical Joint Position Sense in Computer Users with Neck Pain, Forward Head Posture, Asymptomatic and Non-Computer Users – A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract Purpose People use computers in offices and workplaces daily to perform different activities. Impaired cervical proprioception and forward head posture (FHP) may contribute to the development and maintenance of neck pain in computer users. The aims of this study are 1) to compare cervical joint position sense (JPS) in computer users with neck pain, with FHP, healthy computer users, and healthy non-computer users, 2) to assess the relationship between cervical JPS and age, BMI, pain, disability, head posture, and duration of computer usage. Materials and Methods This cross-sectional study included 134 subjects aged between 25 to 50 years old in four groups (Group 1: computer users with neck pain (n=31), group 2: computer users with FHP (n=33), Group 3: healthy computer users (n=35), and Group 4: healthy non-computer users (n=35). The cervical JPS was evaluated in flexion, extension left and right rotation directions using a cervical range of motion device. The reposition accuracy is estimated as joint position error (JPE) in degrees. The cervical JPS is compared between groups and correlated with age, BMI, pain, disability, head posture, and duration of computer usage. Results and Discussion The mean cervical JPE's were significantly larger in the neck pain group (p<0.001) and in the FHP group (p<0.001) compared to other groups. There were no significant differences in JPE's between healthy computer users and non-users (p.>0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between JPE's and age, pain intensity, disability, and computer usage duration. Conclusion Computer users with neck pain and with FHP had significantly impaired cervical JPS. Factors like FHP, pain intensity, disability, and duration of computer usage may influence cervical JPS, and these factors can be considered when assessing and planning treatment strategies for computer professionals.