Effects of Dynamic Neck Sensorimotor Biofeedback Training in Individuals With Mechanical Neck Pain: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

TL;DR

A 2-week dynamic neck sensorimotor biofeedback training program produced greater improvements in cervical repositioning accuracy and reduced fear-avoidance beliefs compared to active control in 20 patients with mechanical neck pain. Exploratory analyses suggested associations between improved proprioceptive acuity and pain reduction.

Key findings

• Biofeedback training improved cervical repositioning accuracy during flexion (52% improvement) and extension (47% improvement) versus control
• Reduced fear-avoidance beliefs related to physical activity and work in the training group with minimal change in controls
• Exploratory associations found between improved repositioning accuracy and pain reduction, and between increased ROM and improved fear-avoidance beliefs
• Excellent adherence (100%) with no adverse events reported in this pilot trial of 20 participants

Why this matters at the bedside

Dynamic sensorimotor biofeedback training may offer an adjunctive approach to address proprioceptive deficits and movement-related fear in mechanical neck pain patients, potentially contributing to functional recovery in this population with persistent disability.