Cervical proprioception in Parkinson's disease and its correlation with manual dexterity function

Cervical proprioception has a crucial role in posture and movement control. The study aimed to determine the relationship of cervical proprioception, cervical muscle strength and endurance with manual dexterity and hand strength in individuals with idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD). Twenty individuals with PD (mean age:63.9 years) and 20 healthy individuals as a control group (mean age: 61.9 years) were recruited. Cervical joint position error (JPE), static endurance of neck muscles, activation of deep cervical flexor muscles (Craniocervical Flexion Test-CCFT), manual dexterity using Purdue Pegboard Test (PPT), cognitive and motor task on PPT, finger tapping test (FTT) and pinch-grip strength were assessed. Cervical JPE was significantly higher in individuals with PD than controls (p