Comparisons of cervical and thoracic spine kinematic joint and body segment angles, timing, and velocity between individuals with and without chronic idiopathic neck pain during functional tasks.

Background: Few studies comprehensively analyse 3D neck kinematics in individuals with chronic idiopathic neck pain during functional tasks considered challenging. This critical knowledge is needed to assist clinicians to recognise and address how altered movement strategies might contribute to pain.

Research Question: Are there differences in 3D neck kinematics (angles, timing, velocity) during functional tasks in people with chronic neck pain compared to matched asymptomatic control participants?

Methods: Participants with chronic idiopathic neck pain (n = 33) and matched asymptomatic controls (n = 30) performed four functional tasks (overhead reach forward, right and left, and putting on a seatbelt) while evaluated using 3D motion capture.

A Pilot Longitudinal Study of 3-Dimensional Head and Neck Kinematics During Functional Tasks in Individuals With Chronic Idiopathic Neck Pain Either Wait-Listed for or Receiving Chiropractic Spinal Manipulative Therapy With Exercise.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a relationship between pain and movement kinematics during functional tasks, evaluated over time, in individuals with chronic idiopathic neck pain.

Methods: Ten participants with chronic idiopathic neck pain performed 2 functional tasks (overhead reach to the right and putting on a seatbelt) while evaluated using 8 Oqus 300+ cameras. Kinematic variables included joint angles and range of motion (ROM) (°), head segment relative to neck segment (head-neck [HN]); and head/neck segment relative to upper thoracic segment (head/neck-trunk), velocity (m/s), and time (% of movement phase).

Differences in the kinematics of the cervical and thoracic spine during functional movement in individuals with or without chronic neck pain: a systematic review.

Background: Chronic neck pain is common, impacting a person's ability to complete functional tasks. One method of quantifying functional movement is three dimensional (3D) motion analysis, however, it is unknown whether it may detect alterations in movement kinematics in individuals with neck pain.

Objective: To systematically review studies to determine possible differences in cervical and thoracic kinematics during functional movement as measured by 3D motion analysis in individuals with neck pain compared to controls.