Evaluation of Cervical Position and Movement Sense Using a Novel Computer Vision-Based Software

Official title

Evaluation of Cervical Position and Movement Sense Using Computer Vision Technology in Healthy Individuals

Overview

This observational study evaluates cervical proprioception using a computer vision-based system developed with OpenCV and MediaPipe. Healthy adults will perform a series of head movements while their nose tip is tracked by a camera. The primary objective is to assess the accuracy of neck position and movement perception. Data will be analyzed to determine the reliability of the tracking system. The study is non-invasive, involves no interventions, and poses minimal risk to participants. Findings may support the development of accessible diagnostic tools for clinical and research applications.

Detailed description

This study aims to assess the test-retest reliability of computer-based cervical proprioception evaluations in healthy adults using OpenCV and MediaPipe for motion tracking. Participants will be seated in a controlled environment with a computer screen at eye level. The following four evaluations will be conducted:

Cervical Joint Position Sense (Head Relocation Error): Participants attempt to reposition their head to a perceived neutral position after flexion, extension, and rotation movements. The software records the deviation in pixels between actual and perceived head positions. Six trials per movement direction will be performed, with retesting after one hour.

Cervical Movement Sense - Patterned Tracking: Participants trace on-screen shapes (e.g., F8, ZZ) with their nose tip to evaluate movement accuracy. The total deviation from the ideal path in pixels will be measured. One practice trial and recorded attempts will be conducted, with retesting after one hour.

Cervical Movement Sense - Target Tracking: Participants follow a moving on-screen target with their nose tip. Tracking accuracy and time spent inside the target will be recorded. Three trials will be performed, with retesting after one week.

Sensorimotor Control Assessment: Participants align their head with randomly appearing visual targets for one minute. Performance will be evaluated based on the number of correct alignments and response accuracy. Three trials will be conducted, with retesting after one hour.

All data will be anonymized and analyzed for reliability using Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC), Standard Error of Measurement (SEM), and Minimal Detectable Change (MDC). This non-invasive, computer-based methodology aims to provide a reliable and low-cost approach to assessing cervical joint position sense, movement perception, and sensorimotor control, contributing to future clinical and research applications.

Primary outcome measures

• Cervical Joint Position Sense (Head Relocation Error) [Time frame: The test will be repeated at 1-hour intervals.]
• Cervical Movement Sense - Patterned Tracking [Time frame: The test will be repeated at 1-hour intervals.]
• Cervical Movement Sense - Target Tracking: [Time frame: The test will be repeated at 1-week intervals.]
• Sensorimotor Control Assessment [Time frame: The test will be repeated at 1-hour intervals.]

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion criteria

• Healthy individuals over 18 years of age
• No neck pain

Exclusion criteria

• Neck or spinal symptoms
• History of cervical/spinal trauma or surgery
• Chronic conditions affecting mobility
• Visual or vestibular impairments

Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.

Healthy volunteers: Yes

Study design

Observational model

Cohort

Study locations

Turkey (Türkiye) · 1 center

• Nevşehir Hacı Bektaş Veli University — Nevşehir

Publications

• Zou GY. Sample size formulas for estimating intraclass correlation coefficients with precision and assurance. Stat Med. 2012 Dec 20;31(29):3972-81. doi: 10.1002/sim.5466. Epub 2012 Jul 4. PMID 22764084
• Mondal D, Vanbelle S, Cassese A, Candel MJ. Review of sample size determination methods for the intraclass correlation coefficient in the one-way analysis of variance model. Stat Methods Med Res. 2024 Mar;33(3):532-553. doi: 10.1177/09622802231224657. Epub 2024 Feb 6. PMID 38320802
• Basteris A, Pedler A, Sterling M. Evaluating the neck joint position sense error with a standard computer and a webcam. Man Ther. 2016 Dec;26:231-234. doi: 10.1016/j.math.2016.04.008. Epub 2016 Apr 23. PMID 27161883
• Peng B, Yang L, Li Y, Liu T, Liu Y. Cervical Proprioception Impairment in Neck Pain-Pathophysiology, Clinical Evaluation, and Management: A Narrative Review. Pain Ther. 2021 Jun;10(1):143-164. doi: 10.1007/s40122-020-00230-z. Epub 2021 Jan 12. PMID 33464539
• Sarig-Bahat H, Weiss PL, Laufer Y. Cervical motion assessment using virtual reality. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2009 May 1;34(10):1018-24. doi: 10.1097/BRS.0b013e31819b3254. PMID 19404177
• Pinsault N, Fleury A, Virone G, Bouvier B, Vaillant J, Vuillerme N. Test-retest reliability of cervicocephalic relocation test to neutral head position. Physiother Theory Pract. 2008 Sep-Oct;24(5):380-91. doi: 10.1080/09593980701884824. PMID 18821444
• Strimpakos N, Sakellari V, Gioftsos G, Kapreli E, Oldham J. Cervical joint position sense: an intra- and inter-examiner reliability study. Gait Posture. 2006 Jan;23(1):22-31. doi: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2004.11.019. PMID 16311191
• Werner IM, Ernst MJ, Treleaven J, Crawford RJ. Intra and interrater reliability and clinical feasibility of a simple measure of cervical movement sense in patients with neck pain. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2018 Oct 5;19(1):358. doi: 10.1186/s12891-018-2287-0. PMID 30290759

Identifiers

NCT: NCT07181798 · NEVSEHIRHBVU-KMYO-MG-001

Primary sources (government registries)

• ClinicalTrials.gov (US NIH)

View this study on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗