Development and validation of tools to examine neural correlates and constructs associated with sensorimotor integration

Abstract

Subclinical neck pain (SCNP) is linked to disordered sensorimotor integration (SMI), and worse upper limb proprioception. Visuomotor force matching relies on accurate proprioception, but has not been assessed in those with SCNP. Thus, somatosensory evoked potential (SEP) amplitude changes in response to a novel force matching tracking task (FMTT) were compared to a motor tracing task known to impact SEPs. Following both tasks, motor performance improved, with differential changes in SEP peaks associated with cortical and cerebellar processing of proprioceptive input. In addition, disordered SMI in SCNP has never been quantified via a self-report questionnaire. This led to the development and measurement of test-retest reliability of the SMI subscale of “The Spine Dysfunction – Stress and Sensory-Motor Integration Questionnaire” in the SCNP population. The SMI subscale had good reliability for 8 out of 12 questions. The FMTT and SMI subscale are promising measures of correlates and constructs associated with disordered SMI.