Lack of impairment of kinaesthetic sensibility in cervicogenic headache patients.
To compare the cervical kinaesthetic sensibility of cervicogenic headache (CEH) patients and asymptomatic controls, the head repositioning accuracy of 10 CEH patients and 23 asymptomatic controls was measured. Should an impaired kinaesthetic sensibility be demonstrated, its assessment could be of diagnostic value in the evaluation of patients with suspected CEH. Additionally, specific exercises to improve cervical kinaesthesia could be prescribed. Kinaesthetic sensibility was assessed using a head repositioning task: subjects were asked to relocate their heads as accurately as possible to a previously memorized head position following an active movement (flexion, extension and left and right rotations). The repositioning error was registered using a validated magnetic tracking device (Flock of Birds). No significant differences were found between the asymptomatic controls and the CEH patients (independent-samples T-test, P < 0.05). We conclude that cervical kinaesthetic sensibility is not impaired in non-traumatic CEH. The use of kinaesthetic assessment and treatment in this patient group seems to be limited.
De Hertogh
W
W
Faculty of Physical Education and Physical Therapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels and University College of Antwerp, Department of Health Sciences, Antwerp, Belgium. willem.de.hertogh@vub.ac.be
Vaes
P
P
Beckwée
D
D
van Suijlekom
H
H
Duquet
W
W
Van Roy
P
P
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D019416:Head Movements / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007699:Kinesthesis / Q000502:physiology*; D008280:Magnetics; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019547:Neck Pain / Q000503:physiopathology; D051298:Post-Traumatic Headache / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011597:Psychomotor Performance; D014911:Whiplash Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology