A meta-analysis and systematic review of changes in joint position sense and static standing balance in patients with whiplash-associated disorder

Objective To synthesise and analyse the current evidence regarding changes in joint position sense (JPS) standing balance people with whiplash-associated disorder (WAD) taking presence or absence of dizziness into account. Data sources PubMed, CINAHL Plus, Web Science, Embase, MEDLINE APA PsycINFO were searched by two independent reviewers from inception until August 2020 reference lists all included studies also reviewed. Study selection Only cross-sectional that measured JPS and/or between WAD vs. healthy controls (HC) complaining (WAD D ) those not ND selected. extraction Relevant data extracted using specific checklists quality assessment was performed Downs Black Scale (modified version). synthesis Twenty-six included. For JPS, synthesized for absolute error primary plane movement separate directions. balance, traditional time- frequency domain sway parameters considering conditions eyes open (EO) closed (EC) separately. meta-analysis, reduced observed compared to HC when head repositioned a neutral (NHP) rotation (standardised mean difference [SMD] = 0.43 [95%: 0.24–0.62]) extension (0.33 [95%CI: 0.08–0.58]) moved toward 50° NHP (0.50 [0.05–0.96]). Similarly, had (0.52 [0.22–0.82]). Larger velocity amplitude found both EO (0.62 [0.37–0.88] 0.78 [0.56–0.99], respectively) EC (0.69 [0.46–0.91] 0.80 [0.58–1.02]) conditions. Conclusion The confirms deficits sensorimotor control especially dizziness.