Thesis (Ph.D.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Physical Therapy - Department of Physical Therapy For Neuromuscular and Neurosurgery

Background: Cervical kinaesthetic sensibility has become increasingly important in the study of neck-related syndromes. Cervical kinaesthesia appears to be impaired especially with a higher degree of pain and disability illustrating its potential role in the pathogenesis. Purpose: Of this study was to determine the effect of wearing standard hard cervical collar for four weeks on vertebral artery blood flow, postural control and cervical proprioception in patients with cervical discogenic lesions. More over, to determine the effect of the effect of selected cervical proprioceptive training on postural control in patients with cervical discogenic radiculopathy. Results: Showed significant changes in all measured variables as a result of wearing hard cervical collar. Also results proved that selected cervical proprioceptive training was effective not only in reducing cervical discogenic manifestations, but also in cervical proprioception acuity as well as postural control in patients with cervical discogenic lesions. Conclusion: Aalteration of cervicocephalic kinesthetic sensibility by decreasing it by wearing cervical collar and increasing it, by specific cervical proprioceptive training had a significant effect on postural control and cervical proprioception but not on vertebral artery blood flow in patients with cervical discogenic radiculopathy

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