Virtual Reality-Based Assessment for Rehabilitation of the Upper Limb in Patients with Parkinson's Disease: A Pilot Cross-Sectional Study.

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to examine the responsiveness and concurrent validity of a serious game and its correlation between the use of serious games and upper limbs (UL) performance in Parkinson's Disease (PD) patients. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four consecutive upper limbs (14 males, 8 females, age: 55-83 years) of PD patients were assessed. The clinical assessment included: the Box and Block test (BBT), Nine-Hole Peg test (9HPT), and sub-scores of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating-Scale Motor section (UPDRS-M) to assess UL disability. Performance scores obtained in two different tests (Ex. A and Ex. B, respectively, the Trolley test and Mushrooms test) based on leap motion (LM) sensors were used to study the correlations with clinical scores. Results: The subjective fatigue experienced during LM tests was measured by the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE, 0-10); the BBT and 9HPT showed the highest correlation coefficients with UPDRS-M scores (ICCs: -0.652 and 0.712, p < 0.05). Exercise A (Trolley test) correlated with UPDRS-M (ICC: 0.31, p < 0.05), but not with the 9HPT and BBT tests (ICCs: -0.447 and 0.390, p < 0.05), while Exercise B (Mushroom test) correlated with UPDRS-M (ICC: -0.40, p < 0.05), as did these last two tests (ICCs: -0.225 and 0.272, p < 0.05). The mean RPE during LM tests was 3.4 ± 3.2. The evaluation of upper limb performance is feasible and does not induce relevant fatigue. Conclusions: The analysis of the ICC supports the use of Test B to evaluate UL disability and performance in PD patients, while Test A is mostly correlated with disability. Specifically designed serious games on LM can serve as a method of impairment in the PD population.

TDCS for parkinson's disease disease-related pain: A randomized trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on Parkinson's disease (PD)-related pain. METHODS: This triple-blind randomized controlled trial included twenty-two patients (age range 38-85, 10 male) with PD-related pain. Eleven subjects received ten sessions of 20 minutes tDCS over the primary motor cortex contralateral to pain at 2 mA intensity. Eleven subjects received sham stimulation. Outcome measures included changes in the Kinǵs Parkinsons Pain Scale (KPPS), Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), widespread mechanical hyperalgesia (WMH), temporal summation of pain (TS), and conditioned pain modulation (CPM). RESULTS: Significant differences were found in KPPS between groups favoring the active-tDCS group compared to the sham-tDCS group at 15-days follow-up (p = 0.014) but not at 2 days post-intervention (p = 0.059). The active-group showed significant improvements over the sham-group after 15 days (p = 0.017). Significant changes were found in CPM between groups in favor of active-tDCS group at 2 days post-intervention (p = 0.002) and at 15 days (p = 0.017). No meaningful differences were observed in BPI or TS. CONCLUSIONS: tDCS of the primary motor cortex alleviates perceived PD-related pain, reduces pain sensitization, and enhances descending pain inhibition. SIGNIFICANCE: This is the first study to test and demonstrate the use of tDCS for improving PD-related pain.

Correlation between Different Psychological Variables in Women with Fibromyalgia with Symptoms of Neurogenic Inflammation: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic pain syndrome hypothesized to arise from a state of neurogenic inflammation. Mechanisms responsible for pain, as well as psychological variables, are typically altered in this condition. The main objective of this research was to explore somatosensory and psychological alterations in women with FM. The secondary objective was to carry out a secondary analysis to correlate the different variables studied and delve into the influences between them. The relationship between different psychological variables in fibromyalgia is not clear in the previous scientific literature. Forty-four individuals participated, of which twenty-two were controls and twenty-two were women with fibromyalgia. The main outcome measures were the Numeric Pain Rating Scale, Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, pressure pain threshold, conditioned pain modulation, anxiety and depression symptoms, catastrophizing and kinesiophobia cognitions. The main analysis showed that there is a moderate correlation between the psychological variables of depression and fear of movement and the ability to modulate pain. There is also a moderately inverse correlation between pain catastrophizing cognitions and pain intensity/disability. Multiple moderate and strong correlations were found among the various psychological variables studied. FM patients exhibit somatosensory alterations alongside negative psychological symptoms that influence the experience of pain, and they may perpetuate the state of neurogenic inflammation.

Translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the Spanish version of the King's Parkinson's Disease Pain Scale (KPPS).

PURPOSE: To translate and cross-culturally adapt the King's Parkinson's Disease Pain Scale (KPPS) into Spanish. METHODS: The English KPPS was forward translated into Spanish, back translated, and revised by the original developers. Cross-cultural adaptation of relevant target groups was conducted following COSMIN standards. Cognitive pretesting in Spanish people with Parkinson's Disease (PD) and pain was performed via three semi-structured focus group meetings. Changes were implemented based on qualitative and quantitative analyses. A Delphi study (two rounds) of individual assessments by Spanish experts was conducted. Changes were implemented based on the Content Validity Index (CVI) at item and scale levels (I-CVI/S-CVI). RESULTS: Five Spanish professionals performed the initial translation. Thirty-eight inter-translation inconsistencies were identified, and consensus was reached for a unified version. After back translation and confirmation with scale developers, the pre-final Spanish KPPS was obtained. Cognitive pretesting in 30 people with PD-related pain identified 5 items where terminology changes were made to assure comprehensibility. The Delphi study in 14 Spanish experts underlined the necessity to further modify two items. After the second round, all experts agreed on the modifications and I-CVI and S-CVI were satisfactory. CONCLUSIONS: The KPPS was successfully translated and cross-culturally adapted into Spanish.

The King's Parkinson's Disease Pain Scale (KPPS) was translated into Spanish by 5 independent experts.Cross-cultural validity was assessed by Spanish Parkinson's Disease (PD) patients and neurology experts.The Spanish KPPS adaptation was relevant, understandable, and comprehensive.Rehabilitation professionals will have access to the Spanish KPPS version for assessing PD-related pain in Spanish speaking patients.

Can a specific biobehavioral-based therapeutic education program lead to changes in pain perception and brain plasticity biomarkers in chronic pain patients? A study protocol for a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Chronic pain conditions are complex multifactorial disorders with physical, psychological, and environmental factors contributing to their onset and persistence. Among these conditions, the role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and the impact of a specific therapeutic education (TE) on pain management have emerged as important areas of research. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the effects of a specific type of therapeutic education on pain levels and BDNF concentrations. METHODS: In this single-blind, randomized clinical trial, patients will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: one will receive exercise with TE and the other without TE. Assessments will be made at baseline, mid-treatment, post-intervention, and at one and eight months. OUTCOMES: This study will shed light on the effectiveness of a therapeutic education (TE) program in pain management. Additionally, it will provide information on its effects on BDNF levels, a biomarker of brain plasticity, as well as on various psychosocial variables that can influence pain experience. CONCLUSION: By comprehensively addressing the need to quantify brain changes more precisely in individuals with chronic pain during interventions like TE and recognizing the importance of establishing a more structured and comprehensive protocol, this study lays a solid and replicable foundation for future evidence-based treatment developments.

Conditioned Pain Modulation and Temporal Summation of Pain in Patients With Traumatic and Non-Specific Neck Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

In patients with neck pain, it is unclear whether pain inhibition and facilitation endogenous pain mechanisms are altered. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to improve their understanding by assessing conditioned pain modulation (CPM) and temporal summation of pain (TSP) in patients with neck pain associated with whiplash-associated disorders (WAD) or of a nonspecific neck pain (NSNP) nature compared to pain-free controls. Very low certainty evidence suggests: impaired CPM when assessed remotely in chronic WAD patients (n = 7, 230 patients and 204 controls, standardized mean differences (SMD) = -.47 [-.89 to -.04]; P = .04) but not locally (n = 6, 155 patients and 150 controls; SMD = -.34 [-.68 to .01]; P = .05), impaired CPM in chronic NSNP patients when assessed locally (n = 5, 223 patients and 162 controls; SMD = -.55 [-1.04 to -.06]; P = .04) but not remotely (n = 3, 72 patients and 66 controls; SMD = -.33 [-.92 to .25]; P = .13), TSP not facilitated in either chronic WAD (local TSP: n = 4, 90 patients and 87 controls; SMD = .68 [-.62 to 1.99]) (remote TSP: n = 8, 254 patients and 214 controls; SMD = .18 [-.12 to .48]) or chronic NSNP (local TSP: n = 2, 139 patients and 92 controls; SMD = .21 [-1.00 to 1.41]), (remote TSP: n = 3; 91 patients and 352 controls; SMD = .60 [-1.33 to 2.52]). The evidence is very uncertain whether CPM is impaired and TSP facilitated in patients with WAD and NSNP. PERSPECTIVE: This review and meta-analysis present the current evidence on CPM and TSP in patients with WAD and NSNP. Standardization of measurement methodology is needed to draw clear conclusions. Subsequently, future studies should investigate the clinical relevance of these measurements as prognostic variables or predictors of treatment success.

Conditioned pain modulation and psychological factors in young adults with recurrent or chronic neck pain.

BACKGROUND: Controversy exists with the presence of alterations in descending pain inhibition mechanisms in patients with non-specific neck pain (NSNP). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the status of conditioned pain modulation CPM, remote pressure pain thresholds (PPT), and psychological factors in a specific subgroup of patients with NSNP such as young adult students. In addition, possible associations between CPM, psychological factors, and pain characteristics were analyzed. METHODS: Thirty students with recurrent or chronic NSNP and 30 pain-free students were included in this cross-sectional study. The following measures were assessed: CPM, remote PPT, psychological factors (depression, anxiety, pain catastrophizing, and kinesiophobia), pain characteristics (duration, intensity, severity of chronic pain, interference with daily life), and central sensitization inventory (CSI). RESULTS: No significant differences were found in the efficacy of CPM between students with chronic or recurrent NSNP and pain-free students (ß coefficient = -0.67; 95% CI = -1.54, 0.20). However, students with pain showed a significantly higher remote PPT (mean difference = -1.94; 95% CI = -2.71, -1.18). and a greater presence of anxious (mean difference = 6; 95% CI = 2, 9) and depressive symptoms (mean difference = 8.57; 95% CI = 3.97, 13.16). In addition, significant moderate or strong correlations were found between CPM and pain intensity (partial r = 0.41), pain catastrophizing and mean pain intensity (r = 0.37), grade (r = 0.50), and interference of pain (r = 0.57), kinesiophobia and disability (r = 0.38), and depression and CSI (r = 0.39). CONCLUSIONS: Young adult students with chronic or recurrent NSNP present remote hyperalgesia and symptoms of depression and anxiety but not dysfunctional CPM.

Effectiveness of deep dry needling versus manual therapy in the treatment of myofascial temporomandibular disorders: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are the most common cause of orofacial pain of non-dental origin, with approximately 42% of diagnoses corresponding to myofascial pain. Manual therapy and dry needling are commonly used interventions for the treatment of myofascial temporomandibular disorders. However, it is unclear whether one of them could be superior to the other. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present systematic review and network meta-analysis was to compare the effectiveness of manual therapy and dry needling in patients with myofascial TMD. METHODS: This is a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Randomized clinical trials were searched in the databases of Pubmed, PEDro, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane, Google Academic and EMBASE. The methodological quality of studies included in this review was judged using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. A frequentist network meta-analysis was carried out, assuming random effects, to estimate the effects of interventions for temporomandibular joint pain measured on a 10-point visual analogue scale. RESULTS: Out of 3190 records identified, 17 met the inclusion criteria for qualitative analysis and eight were included in the network meta-analysis. Indirect comparisons between dry needling and manual therapy showed no significant differences in their effects on pain reduction (Odds Ratio [95%CI]; - 0.263 [- 1.517, 0.992]). The ranking of treatments shows that manual therapy (SUCRA = 0.932) followed by deep dry needling (SUCRA = 0.775) present the highest values of estimation and can be considered the most likely to reduce pain. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the network meta-analysis should be considered with caution due to the low quality of the evidence available and the high variability of the study protocols in terms of the method of application of dry needling and manual therapy interventions. PROSPERO under identifier: (CRD42020186470).

Effects of a Therapeutic Exercise Protocol for Patients with Chronic Non-Specific Back Pain in Primary Health Care: A Single-Group Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Back pain is highly prevalent; in Spain, it produces a very high economic cost and the scientific evidence supporting treatments shows low to moderate evidence for exercise. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a therapeutic group exercise protocol in reducing pain intensity and disability in patients with back pain in primary health care setting. METHODS: A total sample of 149 patients who suffered from chronic non-specific back pain was selected. Patients received a therapeutic exercise protocol, including auto-mobilization exercises for the neck and lumbar regions, as well as core stabilization exercises. Pain intensity and disability were evaluated before and after the therapeutic exercise protocol. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were shown in pain intensity and disability for patients with non-specific neck and low-back pain, with an effect size from moderate to large. CONCLUSIONS: A therapeutic exercise protocol may provide beneficial effects upon disability and pain intensity in patients with chronic non-specific back pain, including neck and low-back pain conditions In addition, It could be considered for inclusion as a back-pain-approach program in primary healthcare.

Motor Imagery and Pain Processing in Patients With Entrapment Neuropathies: A Cross-sectional Study.

OBJECTIVES: (1) To assess the ability to generate both kinesthetic and visual motor imagery in participants with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), compared with asymptomatic participants. (2) To assess the influence of psychophysiological and functional variables in the motor imagery process. METHODS: Twenty patients with unilateral CTS and 18 pain-free individuals were recruited. An observational case-control study with a nonprobability sample was conducted to assess visual and kinesthetic movement imagery ability and psychophysiological variables in patients with CTS compared with asymptomatic participants in a control group. The trial was conducted in accordance with the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology statement. RESULTS: CTS patients have more difficulties in generating visual motor images compared with asymptomatic individuals ( t =-2.099; P <0.05; d=0.70). They need more time to complete the mental tasks (visual t =-2.424; P <0.05 and kinesthetic t =-2.200; P <0.05). A negative correlation was found between the ability to imagine and functional deficits ( r =-0.569; P =0.021) for the kinesthetic subscale and temporal summation ( r =-0.515; P <0.5). A positive correlation was found between pain pressure threshold homolateral (homolateral) and time to generate the visual mental images ( r =0.537; P <0.05). DISCUSSION: CTS patients have greater difficulty generating motor images than asymptomatic individuals. Patients also spend more time during mental tasks. CTS patients present a relationship between temporal summation and the capacity to generate kinesthetic images. In addition, the CST patients presented a correlation between chronometry mental tasking and mechanical hyperalgesia.

Reply to Rossettini et al. "Do Not Mix Apples with Oranges" to Avoid Misinterpretation of Placebo Effects in Manual Therapy: The Risk Is Resulting in a Fruit Basket. Comment on "Molina-Álvarez et al. Manual Therapy Effect in Placebo-Controlled Trials: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19, 14021".

We have thoroughly reviewed and carefully analyzed the points raised in the comment titled: "Do not mix apples with oranges" to avoid misinterpretation of placebo effects in manual therapy: the risk is resulting in a fruit basket [...].

Effects of Repetitive-Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) in Fibromyalgia Syndrome: An Umbrella and Mapping Review.

BACKGROUND: The main aim of this study was to assess the effects of repetitive-transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in patients with fibromyalgia (FMS). METHODS: We systematically searched PubMed, PEDro, EMBASE, and CINAHL. Methodological quality was analyzed using the AMSTAR and ROBIS scales, and the strength of evidence was established according to the guidelines advisory committee grading criteria. A total of 11 systematic reviews were included. The assessed variables were pain intensity, depressive symptoms, anxiety, and general health. RESULTS: Regarding pain intensity, it seems that high-frequency rTMS significantly reduces pain intensity at a 1-month follow-up when the primary motor cortex (M1) is stimulated. However, we cannot robustly conclude the same for low-frequency protocols. When we look at the combination of high and low-frequency rTMS, there seems to be a significant effect on pain intensity up to 1-week post-intervention, but after that point of follow-up, the results are controversial. Regarding depressive symptoms and anxiety, results showed that the effects of rTMS are almost non-existent. Finally, in regard to general health, results showed that rTMS caused significant post-intervention effects in a robust way. However, the results of the follow-ups are contradictory. CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained showed that high-frequency rTMS applied on the M1 showed some effect on the variable of pain intensity with a limited quality of evidence. Overall, rTMS was shown to be effective in improving general health with moderate quality of evidence. Finally, rTMS was not shown to be effective in managing depressive symptoms and anxiety with a limited to moderate quality of evidence. PROSPERO number: This review was previously registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023391032).

Prescription of therapeutic exercise in migraine, an evidence-based clinical practice guideline.

The main objective of this clinical practice guideline is to provide a series of recommendations for healthcare and exercise professionals, such as neurologists, physical therapists, and exercise physiologists, regarding exercise prescription for patients with migraine.This guideline was developed following the methodology and procedures recommended in the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE). The quality of evidence and strength of recommendations were evaluated with the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN). A systematic literature review was performed and an established appraisal process was employed to rate the quality of relevant scientific research (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation methodology).The evaluation of the current evidence, the elaboration of the grades of recommendation, and their validation show a B grade of recommendation for aerobic exercise, moderate-continuous aerobic exercise, yoga, and exercise and lifestyle recommendations for the improvement of symptoms, disability, and quality of life in patients with migraine. Relaxation techniques, high-intensity interval training, low-intensity continuous aerobic exercise, exercise and relaxation techniques, Tai Chi, and resistance exercise obtained a C grade of recommendation for the improvement of migraine symptoms and disability.

Manual Therapy Effects on Nonspecific Neck Pain Are Not Mediated by Mechanisms Related to Conditioned Pain Modulation: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Manual therapy (MT) is a treatment recommended by clinical practice guidelines in the management of patients with neck pain. However, the mechanisms through which MT works remain unknown. The aim of the present study is to investigate if MT is mediated by mechanisms related to conditioned pain modulation (CPM), comparing the effects of painful with a pain-free MT treatment. METHODS: A two-arm, parallel, randomized controlled clinical trial with concealed allocation and blinding of the outcome assessor was conducted in university students with chronic or recurrent nonspecific neck pain (NSNP). Participants received either a painful or pain-free MT session. Psychophysical variables including pressure pain thresholds, CPM, temporal summation of pain and cold pain intensity were assessed before and immediately after treatment. In addition, changes in neck pain intensity over the following 7 days and self-perceived improvement immediately and 7 days after treatment were assessed. RESULTS: No significant differences were found between groups in any of the psychophysical variables or in patients' self-perceived improvement. Only a significantly greater decrease in neck pain intensity immediately after treatment was found in the pain-free MT group compared to the painful MT group. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the immediate and short-term effects of MT on NSNP are not mediated by CPM-related mechanisms.

Editorial to the Special Issue "The Effect of Exercise Intensity and Psychological Intervention on Musculoskeletal Disorders".

Musculoskeletal disorders are responsible for the most prevalent form of pain, and necessitate a comprehensive approach to rehabilitation [...].

Exercise-based interventions on sleep quality in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome: An umbrella and mapping review with meta-analysis.

The main aim of this umbrella review was to assess the impact of exercise-based interventions (EBIs) on sleep quality in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). We searched systematically in PubMed, PEDro, EMBASE, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus and Google Scholar. Methodological quality was analyzed using AMSTAR and ROBIS scale, and the strength of evidence was established according to GRADE. Nine systematic reviews were included. Meta-analysis (MA) of primary studies (n = 42) were performed with a random-effects model. The MA revealed a moderate statistically significant effect of EBIs (SMD=-0.46 [-0.69 to -0.23]). Subgroup analyses by type of exercise showed significant effect of body-mind exercises (SMD=-0.55 [-0.86 to -0.23]) and combined exercises (SMD=-1.11 [-2.12 to -0.11]) but not for aerobic (SMD=-0.04 [-0.15 to 0.07]) or strength (SMD=-0.52 [-1.14 to 0.1]) exercises in isolation. The results obtained showed that EBIs were effective in improving sleep quality compared to minimal intervention, no intervention or usual care, with a low certainty of evidence. Subgroup analyses showed that mind-body and combined exercises elicited the strongest effect, while aerobic and strength exercise in isolation did not show significant effects.

Effects of Orthopedic Manual Therapy on Pain Sensitization in Patients With Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: An Umbrella Review With Meta-Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this umbrella review with meta-meta-analysis was to assess the effectiveness of orthopedic manual therapy in isolation on pain sensitization in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain. DESIGN: A systematic search was performed in different databases including systematic reviews with or without meta-analysis. The outcome measures included were pressure pain threshold, temporal summation, and conditioned pain modulation. The results of the different reviews were statistically synthesized through a random-effect meta-analysis, of all standardized mean differences and the corresponding 95% confidence interval reported by each study. RESULTS: For mechanical hyperalgesia, the meta-meta-analysis of three meta-analyses revealed a statistically significant small-moderate effect of orthopedic manual therapy, with no evidence of heterogeneity and moderate-quality evidence. In terms of temporal summation, one meta-analysis revealed a statistically significant small effect of orthopedic manual therapy intervention, with moderate heterogeneity and low quality of evidence. Finally, one review without meta-analysis found that orthopedic manual therapy improved endogenous analgesia with low-quality evidence. CONCLUSION: Orthopedic manual therapy in isolation improved mechanical hyperalgesia with moderate-quality evidence, as well as temporal summation and conditioned pain modulation with low-quality evidence. However, its effects are limited only to immediate and short-term.

Correlation between the Altered Gut Microbiome and Lifestyle Interventions in Chronic Widespread Pain Patients: A Systematic Review.

Background: Lifestyle interventions have a direct impact on the gut microbiome, changing its composition and functioning. This opens an innovative way for new therapeutic opportunities for chronic widespread patients. Purpose: The goal of the present study was to evaluate a correlation between lifestyle interventions and the gut microbiome in patients with chronic widespread pain (CWP). Methods: The systematic review was conducted until January 2023. Pain and microbiome were the two keywords selected for this revision. The search was conducted in PubMed, Chochrane, PEDro and ScienceDirect, where 3917 papers were obtained. Clinical trials with lifestyle intervention in CWP patients were selected. Furthermore, these papers had to be related with the gut microbiome, excluding articles related to other types of microbiomes. Results: Only six articles were selected under the eligibility criteria. Lifestyle interventions were exercise, electroacupuncture and ingesting a probiotic. Conclusions: Lifestyle intervention could be a suitable choice to improve the gut microbiome. This fact could be extrapolated into a better quality of life and lesser levels of pain.

Kinematic analysis of sensorimotor control during the craniocervical flexion movement in patients with neck pain and asymptomatic individuals: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Patients with craniocervical pain have shown reduced performance in the craniocervical flexion test (CCFT). However, there is limited evidence of other possible kinematic alterations not assessed in the context of the CCFT. Previous studies on other functional or planar movements have reported alterations in sensorimotor control (e.g., range of motion [ROM], velocity, or smoothness) in subjects with neck pain. The objective of this study was to explore the association between sensorimotor control variables associated with craniocervical flexion movement and different characteristics related to pain, age, disability, and fear of movement in individuals with non-traumatic chronic neck pain and asymptomatic controls. METHODS: This was an observational, cross-sectional study in patients with non-traumatic neck pain and asymptomatic participants. Regression models were used to assess whether descriptive characteristics of the sample, including: (a) age, (b) intensity of pain, (c) neck disability, (d) chronicity of pain, and (e) fear of movement could explain sensorimotor control variables such as ROM, velocity, jerk, head repositioning accuracy, and conjunct motion. All these variables were recorded by means of light inertial measurement unit sensors during the performance of three maximal repetitions of full range craniocervical flexion in the supine position. RESULTS: A total of 211 individuals were screened and 192 participants finished the protocol and were included in the analyses. Participants had an average age of 34.55 ± 13.93 years and included 124 patients with non-traumatic neck pain and 68 asymptomatic subjects. Kinesiophobia partially explained lower craniocervical flexion ROM (p = .01) and lower peak velocity in flexion (P < .001). Age partially explained increased craniocervical extension ROM (P < .001) and lower peak velocity in flexion (P = .03). Chronicity partially explained increased lateral flexion conjunct motion (P = .008). All models showed low values of explained variance (< 32%) and low absolute values of regression coefficients. CONCLUSIONS: This study did not find a clear relationship between population characteristics and sensorimotor control variables associated with the craniocervical flexion movement. Kinesiophobia might have some association with reduced ROM in craniocervical flexion, but further research in this field is needed in large samples of patients with higher levels of kinesiophobia pain or disability.