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Deborah Sanderson, DC & Daniel Becker, DC, MEd
Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research ~ June 16, 2026 ~ Volume 2026 ~ Pages 21-25
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Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between Thompson cervical syndrome, a chiropractic diagnostic indicator based on leg length changes during head rotation and cervical proprioceptive function, as measured by the Cervicocephalic Kinesthetic Sensibility Test (CCKST).
Methods: A convenience sample of 54 chiropractic students underwent Thompson cervical syndrome assessment followed by CCKST. Leg length changes during prone head rotation determined cervical syndrome status. Cervical joint position error (JPE) was assessed using a head mounted laser. Participants performed three head rotations to each side, and the average deviation from each participant’s perceived neutral position was measured. Group comparisons were analyzed using two-tailed unpaired t-tests.
Results: Ten participants exhibited a left-sided cervical syndrome; no right or bilateral syndromes were observed. Among those with a left cervical syndrome, 80% showed greater repositioning error after leftward head rotation. However, no statistically significant differences in JPE were found between participants with and without cervical syndrome after left head rotation (t(44) = -0.31, p= .76, 95% CI [-36.8, 27.0]), nor between left and right head rotations within the syndrome group (t(18) = -0.73, p = .48, 95% CI [-14.40, 30.99]). Participants with cervical syndrome did not demonstrate significantly greater JPEs than those without cervical syndrome (t(52) = 0.09, p = .93, 95% CI [-25.5, 27.9]).
Conclusion: The findings did not support a significant relationship between the presence of Thompson cervical syndrome and proprioceptive dysfunction as measured by the CCKST. This suggests that leg length changes during head rotation may not reliably indicate global sensorimotor impairment as assessed by the CCKST. However, the findings did reveal an important directional pattern as well as higher average repositioning error following left rotation compared to right rotation. Further research with symptomatic populations and additional proprioceptive measures is recommended.
Keywords: Cervical proprioception, Thompson cervical syndrome, vertebral subluxation, chiropractic, sensorimotor control, joint position error
