Investigation of gait symmetry, cervical joint position sense, cervical range of motion and functional disability in individuals with chronic idiopathic neck pain

Purpose: Gait asymmetry has not been adequately clarified in Chronic Idiopathic Neck Pain (CINP). Cervical position sense is important to maintain gait function. However, the association between gait symmetry and cervical position sense is unknown. The first aim is to evaluate gait symmetry, cervical joint position error (JPE), cervical range of motion (ROM), and functionality in persons with CINP and compare them with healthy controls (HC). The second aim is to investigate the relationship between gait symmetry and cervical JPE, ROM, and functional disability in CINP. Methods: 35 persons with CINP (27 females, eight males, mean age 25.48 ± 8.69 years) and 34 HC (25 females, nine males, mean age 25.76±7.96 years) were included. Gait symmetry was assessed with a wearable sensor gait device. Cervical JPE and ROM were evaluated with the Cervical Range of Motion (CROM) device. Neck Disability Index (NDI) was used for functional disability. Results: Persons with CINP had significantly worse gait symmetry, cervical JPE, and lower cervical range of motion in all directions (p