Correlation Between Cervical Deep Flexors Endurance and Proprioception Function in Cervical Radiculopathy

NCT07321119 | Not Yet Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: trial registry 3
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 80
• Locations: 0 countries
• Sites: N/A

Brief Summary

In cervical radiculopathy, reduced endurance of the deep cervical flexor muscles is associated with impaired cervical proprioception. This relationship reflects altered sensorimotor control due to muscle dysfunction and neural compromise, emphasizing the need for deep flexor endurance training in rehabilitation.

Conditions

Cervical Radiculopathy

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Cervical proprioception errors by using joint position sense via CROM device

  Cervical proprioception was assessed using the CROM device by measuring joint position sense error. Participants were seated upright with the trunk stabilized and the CROM mounted on the head; visual input was eliminated by closing the eyes. From a neutral head position, participants actively moved the head to a predetermined target angle (approximately 50-60% of available cervical range of motion) in flexion, extension, or rotation, held the position briefly, returned to neutral, and then attempted to reproduce the target position. The absolute difference between the target and reproduced angles, recorded in degrees by the CROM, represented the joint position error, and the mean of three trials for each movement direction was used for analy

  baseline

Secondary Outcomes (1)

• Deep flexor cervical muscle endurance using biofeedback device

  baseline

Interventions

cevical range of motion device DEVICE

Cervical proprioception was evaluated using the Cervical Range of Motion (CROM) device by assessing joint position sense (JPS). With the participant seated in an upright position, the CROM device was securely fitted to the head. The patient was instructed to actively move the head from a neutral starting position into a specific direction (flexion, extension, rotation, or lateral flexion), then return to the perceived neutral position with eyes closed. The difference between the starting neutral position and the repositioned angle was recorded as the joint position error (JPE), measured in degrees. Multiple trials were performed for each movement direction, and the mean JPE value was calculated. Higher JPE values indicated poorer cervical proprioceptive accuracy. The CROM device is considered a reliable and valid clinical tool for quantifying cervical proprioception in patients with cervical radiculopathy.

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 30 Years - 45 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)
• Sampling Method: Probability Sample

Study Population

The study population consisted of 80 patients with cervical radiculopathy recruited from outpatient physical therapy clinics. Participants were adults of both sexes, aged between 20 and 60 years, presenting with neck pain associated with unilateral or bilateral upper limb radicular symptoms, including pain, numbness, or weakness. Cervical radiculopathy was diagnosed based on clinical examination findings such as dermatomal pain distribution, positive cervical compression tests, and neurological deficits, with imaging confirmation when available. All participants were in the subacute to chronic stage of the condition and were able to sit independently and follow verbal instructions during assessment. Patients with a history of cervical spine surgery, recent trauma, vestibular disorders, or other neurological or systemic conditions affecting cervical proprioception were excluded. This population was selected to investigate the relationship between cervical deep flexor endurance and cerv

You may qualify if:

• Adults diagnosed with cervical radiculopathy based on clinical examination (± imaging confirmation).
• Presence of neck pain with radiating symptoms to the upper limb for at least 4 weeks.
• Age range 20-60 years.
• Ability to understand instructions and participate in cervical endurance and proprioception assessments.

You may not qualify if:

• History of cervical spine surgery or acute cervical trauma.
• Presence of neurological disorders other than cervical radiculopathy (e.g., stroke, multiple sclerosis).
• Vestibular disorders or conditions affecting balance and head position sense.
• Inflammatory, rheumatologic, or severe musculoskeletal conditions involving the cervical spine.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Delta University for Science and Technology: lead

Related Publications (1)

• Rafiq S, Zafar H, Gillani SA, Waqas MS, Liaqat S, Zia A, Rafiq Y. Effects of Neurodynamic Mobilization on Health-Related Quality of Life and Cervical Deep Flexors Endurance in Patients of Cervical Radiculopathy: A Randomized Trial. Biomed Res Int. 2022 Oct 5;2022:9385459. doi: 10.1155/2022/9385459. eCollection 2022.

  PMID: 36246968 BACKGROUND

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Radiculopathy

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Peripheral Nervous System Diseases; Neuromuscular Diseases; Nervous System Diseases

Central Study Contacts

ibrahim A abu ella, Phd

CONTACT

+201008442281; ibrahimneuron@gmail.com

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: CASE CONTROL
• Time Perspective: PROSPECTIVE
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Lecturer

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: December 13, 2025
• First Posted: January 6, 2026
• Study Start: January 1, 2026
• Primary Completion: February 1, 2026
• Study Completion: March 1, 2026
• Last Updated: January 6, 2026

Record last verified: 2025-12

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share