Balance alterations are associated with neck pain and neck muscle endurance in migraine

Author(s)

Rodrigues, Amanda ; Bevilaqua-Grossi, Debora ; Florencio, Lidiane Lima ; Pinheiro, Carina Ferreira ; Dach, Fabiola ; Bigal, Marcelo ; Carvalho, Gabriela Ferreira

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: MUSCULOSKELETAL SCIENCE AND PRACTICE; v. 66, p. 7-pg., 2023-08-01.

Abstract

Background: Migraine patients may present with both cervical and balance dysfunctions. The neck plays an important role in balance by providing substantial proprioceptive input, which is integrated in the central nervous system and influences the balance control systems. Whether balance and neck dysfunctions are associated in patients with migraine is still to be explored.Objectives: This study aimed to assess the association between the sensory organization test of balance with neck pain features, cervical strength, endurance, and range of motion in patients with migraine.Methods: Sixty-five patients with migraine underwent the sensory organization test assessed with the EquitestNeurocom (R) device. Maximum voluntary isometric contraction, cervical flexion and extension range of motion, and cervical flexor and extensor endurance were assessed. In addition, the features of migraine and neck pain were collected. Patients were dichotomized according to cut-off scores of balance performance and the association between outcomes were explored.Results: Patients with reduced balance performance presented a higher frequency of migraine (p = 0.035), a higher frequency of aura (p = 0.002), greater neck pain intensity (p = 0.013), and decreased endurance of cervical flexors (p = 0.010) and extensors (p < 0.0001). The total balance score was correlated with age (r =-0.33; p = 0.007), migraine frequency (r =-0.29; p = 0.021), neck pain intensity (r =-0.26; p = 0.038), and endurance of the cervical flexors (r = 0.39; p = 0.001) and extensors (r = 0.36; p = 0.001). Migraine frequency, neck pain intensity, and endurance of the cervical flexors can predict 21% of the sensory organization test variability.Conclusion: Neck pain features and endurance of the cervical muscles are related to reduced balance performance in patients with migraine. These results shed light to a better understanding of balance alterations in migraine patients. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 21/14588-6 - Measurement properties of the Craniocervical Flexion Test in patients with migraine: intra- and inter-examiner reliability and construct validity
• Grantee: Amanda Rodrigues
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• FAPESP's process: 15/18031-5 - Association study of clinical, functional and neuroimaging in women with migraine
• Grantee: Débora Bevilaqua Grossi
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants