Effect of Kinetic Control Retraining on Neck Proprioception and Function in Cervical Radiculopathy: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVES

Cervical radiculopathy is a prevalent neuromusculoskeletal disorder which negatively impacts quality of life. Kinetic control concept indicates that the main goals of rehabilitation are to improve motor control and stabilize the cervical spine. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of kinetic control retraining on neck proprioception and function in individuals with cervical radiculopathy.

METHODS

A total of forty-four participants, aged 40 to 55, diagnosed with chronic unilateral cervical spondylotic radiculopathy, were randomly divided into two equal groups. The study group received kinetic control retraining along with the conventional physical therapy protocol. The control group underwent a conventional physical therapy protocol, comprising three sessions weekly for eight successive weeks. Cervical joint position error was assessed through cervical range of motion, pain levels were measured by the Visual Analogue Scale, neck-related disability was evaluated using Arabic Neck Disability Index scores, and deep neck flexor performance was tested with a pressure-biofeedback device.

RESULTS

After eight weeks of intervention, statistically significant differences between groups were observed across all outcome measures, favoring the study group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Kinetic Control retraining has a useful effect on managing chronic cervical radiculopathy by reducing pain and enhancing proprioception and functional abilities.

CLINICALTRIALS: gov ID: NCT06803134.