Effects of Nonspecific Chronic Neck Pain on Balance, Visuomotor Reaction Time and Upper Extremity Explosive Strength in Young Females

Abstract

Background: The cervical region is highly enriched with sensory receptors, and chronic pain in this area can disrupt afferent signals, potentially affecting motor function and balance. Objective: To examine the effects of nonspecific chronic neck pain on balance, visuomotor reaction time, and upper extremity explosive strength in young females. The secondary objective was to investigate the relationship between neck pain intensity and the evaluated parameters. Methods: Forty-three participants (Neck Pain Group: 21 participants; Healthy Group: 22 participants) were included. Static balance was assessed with the One-Leg Standing Test (OLST), and dynamic balance with the Lower Quarter Y Balance Test (YBT). Visuomotor reaction time was measured using the FitLight TrainerTM system, consisting of 8 RGB Laser LEDs. The Seated Medicine Ball Throw Test was employed to assess upper extremity explosive strength. Results: Participants in the neck pain group exhibited significantly lower scores on the eyes-closed OLST (p = 0.045) and the composite YBT (p = 0.028) for the dominant lower extremity. Visuomotor reaction time was significantly prolonged in the neck pain group (p = 0.032), while performance in the medicine ball throw test was significantly reduced (p = 0.030). Pain intensity was correlated with visuomotor reaction time (r = 0.454; p = 0.002) and the composite YBT score of the dominant lower extremity (r = -0.356; p = 0.019). Conclusion: This study's findings indicate that chronic neck pain negatively impacts balance, visuomotor reaction time, and upper extremity explosive strength. Furthermore, a moderate correlation was observed between pain intensity and both visuomotor reaction time and dynamic balance, suggesting that greater pain intensity is associated with greater functional impairment.