Proprioceptive Puzzle: Effects on Quantitative Sensory Tests and Body Awareness

Background: Cervical proprioception, referring to the awareness of the head's position in space, plays a crucial role in maintaining postural control and preventing musculoskeletal injuries. While previous research has established the importance of cervical proprioception in motor function, its specific impact on body awareness and pain-related aspects remains less explored, particularly in healthy young individuals.

Aim: This prospective cross-sectional study aims to investigate the impact of cervical proprioceptive error on body awareness, pressure pain threshold, pressure pain tolerance, conditioned pain modulation, and temporal summation in healthy young individuals.

Methods: In asymptomatic participants, cervical proprioception will be assessed using the 'head position error test' in both right and left rotation directions with the CROM device. Participants will be then divided into two groups based on the presence of proprioceptive deviation (>5°). Body awareness will beassessed using the 'Body Awareness Questionnaire,' while pressure pain threshold, pain tolerance, and temporal summation will be measured bilaterally with an algometer device (2 cm lateral to the C2 and C7 spinal processes, midpoint of the upper part of the trapezius, and over the temporomandibular joint) in both groups. Subsequently, the two groups will be compared using independent samples t-tests.

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Key information

Conditions

Cervical Proprioceptive Error in Healthy Young Individuals Neurologic Manifestations Pain Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms

Age range

18 year–25 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

Atılım University

Ankara, 06560, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Cervical proprioception, which refers to the awareness of the head's position in space, is a fundamental component of postural control and the prevention of musculoskeletal injuries. This sense is mediated by sensory receptors located in the muscles, joints, and skin of the cervical spine, providing critical feedback for maintaining balance and coordinating movements. Previous studies have extensively documented the role of cervical proprioception in motor function, highlighting its importance in activities that require precise head and neck movements.

Despite these findings, there is a gap in the literature regarding the specific impact of cervical proprioception on body awareness and pain-related parameters in healthy individuals. Body awareness, or the conscious perception of body position and movement, is essential for efficient motor control and overall well-being. Additionally, understanding how proprioceptive errors in the cervical region might influence pain perception could provide insights into mechanisms underlying chronic pain conditions.

The primary aim of this prospective cross-sectional study is to investigate the impact of cervical proprioceptive error on body awareness, pressure pain threshold, pressure pain tolerance, conditioned pain modulation, and temporal summation in asymptomatic young individuals.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

Being between 18-25 years old

Exclusion criteria

History of cervical spine injuries or disorders
Chronic pain conditions or diagnosed musculoskeletal disorders
Previous neck or spine surgeries
Neurological or psychiatric conditions affecting proprioception or pain perception
Use of medications influencing pain sensitivity or proprioception
Pregnancy

Treatment and study plan

Assessment of cervical proprioception

Other

Cervical proprioception will be assessed using the 'head position error test' in both right and left rotation directions with the CROM device. Participants will be then divided into two groups based on the presence of proprioceptive errors (>5°).

Primary outcomes

Quantitative sensory testing

Time frame: Immediately after the intervention

Quantitative sensory testing including pain threshold, tolerance, conditioned pain modulation, and temporal summation will be assessed by pressure algometer. The "pain threshold" is the point at which a person first feels pain, the "pain tolerance" is the last point that a person can tolerate, and the "temporal summation" is the first painful threshold evaluated after 10 repeats of the pain threshold. Conditioned pain modulation is the modulation of pain perception under varying conditions. In the current study, a cold stimulus will be used.
Assessment of body awareness

Time frame: Immediately after the intervention

Body awareness will be assessed through a questionnaire, consisting of 18 items, divided into 4 subgroups aimed at determining the sensitivity level of normal or abnormal body composition (1. Changes during the body process, 2. Sleep-wake cycle, 3. Estimation of disease onset, 4. Prediction of bodily reactions). Participants are asked to rate each item on a scale of 1 to 7. The overall score is calculated, and a higher score indicates better body awareness. The validity and reliability of the questionnaire are reported to be high.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Nagihan Acet

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Proprioceptive Puzzle: The Effect of Cervical Proprioceptive Errors on Quantitative Sensory Tests and Body Awareness in Young Adults

Important dates

Study start: 2024
Primary completion: 2025
Study completion: 2025
First posted: Aug 19, 2024
Registry last updated: Nov 25, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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