- Academic Editor
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Background: Neural adaptions in response to sensorimotor tasks are
impaired in those with untreated, recurrent mild-to-moderate neck pain
(subclinical neck pain (SCNP)), due to disordered central processing of afferent
information (e.g., proprioception). Neural adaption to force modulation, a
sensorimotor skill reliant on accurate proprioception, is likely to be impaired
in those with SCNP. This study examined changes in somatosensory evoked potential
(SEP) peak amplitudes following the acquisition of a novel force matching
tracking task (FMTT) in those with SCNP compared to non-SCNP. Methods:
40 (20 female (F) & 20 male (M); average age (standard deviation, SD): 21.6 (3.01)) right-handed participants
received controlled electrical stimulation at 2.47 Hz and 4.98 Hz (averaged 1000
sweeps/frequency) over the right-median nerve, to elicit SEPs before and after
FMTT acquisition. Participants used their right thumb to match a series of force
profiles that were calibrated to their right thumb (abductor pollicis brevis
muscle) strength. To determine if motor learning was impacted, retention was
assessed 24 to 48 hours later. Outliers were removed before running independent
t-tests on normalized SEP peak amplitudes, and repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) with
planned contrasts on absolute and normalized motor performance accuracy.
Benjamini-hochberg test was used to correct for multiple independent SEP
comparisons. Results: SEP peaks: N18 (t