Quantifying Impairments in the Subacute Phase of Whiplash Associated Disorders—A Cross-Sectional Study
Whiplash-Associated Disorders (WADs) often result from traffic accidents, leading to persistent symptoms, including neck pain, disability, dizziness, and central sensitization (CS). A key concern is cervical range of motion (cROM) impairment and sensorimotor dysfunction, which contribute to prolonge...
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| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-03-01
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| Series: | Life |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1729/15/4/562 |
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| Summary: | Whiplash-Associated Disorders (WADs) often result from traffic accidents, leading to persistent symptoms, including neck pain, disability, dizziness, and central sensitization (CS). A key concern is cervical range of motion (cROM) impairment and sensorimotor dysfunction, which contribute to prolonged disability. This study assessed functional performance in individuals with subacute (>1, <3 months) WADs (n = 122) compared to healthy controls (n = 45). Clinical measures included cROM, movement control (Butterfly test), and position sense (Head–Neck Relocation Test, HNRT). Patient-reported outcomes included neck disability, pain intensity, central sensitization, and dizziness. Mixed and linear models evaluated group differences and the influence of demographic and symptom-related factors. WAD patients had significantly reduced cROM and impaired movement control (<i>p</i> < 0.001). Neck disability (<i>p</i> < 0.001) and pain intensity (<i>p</i> = 0.015) affected cROM within the WAD group. Interaction effects revealed greater amplitude accuracy (AA) impairments at greater difficulty levels (<i>p</i> = 0.043), while time on target (TOT) differences decreased (<i>p</i> < 0.001). Dizziness was associated with increased undershoot (<i>p</i> < 0.001), while pain negatively impacted both AA (<i>p</i> = 0.003) and TOT (<i>p</i> = 0.037). Position sense did not differentiate WAD patients from controls. Findings suggest task-dependent sensorimotor deficits, highlighting the need for multimodal assessment. Early CS screening may optimize rehabilitation and prevent chronic disability. |
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| ISSN: | 2075-1729 |