Article

OBJECTIVE: To study the presence of cervical motor dysfunctions in acute
whiplash-associated disorders, evaluate their course and assess their predictive
value for long-term recovery. DESIGN: Systematic literature review. METHODS:
PubMed and Web of Science databases were used to select studies of the presence
of cervical motor dysfunctions within the acute stage (< 6 weeks) after whiplash
trauma and/or their predictive value for the development of chronic
whiplash-associated disorders. RESULTS: The presence of cervical motor
dysfunctions in the acute stage after whiplash trauma was investigated in 4
cohorts. The course of cervical motor dysfunctions in whiplash-associated
disorders was examined in 4 cohorts, and the predictive value on outcome 1 year
post-whiplash trauma was assessed in 3 cohorts. Reduced cervical mobility,
disturbed kinaesthesia, and altered muscle activity were found in the acute
stage, and these persisted over time in the moderate/severe group. The predictive
value of examining the presence of cervical motor dysfunctions was doubtful. The
course and predictive value of initial reduced cervical mobility was
inconsistent. CONCLUSION: Cervical motor dysfunctions are present soon after
whiplash trauma persisting in those with moderate/severe symptoms. However, these
dysfunctions have limited predictive value, and hence may not explain the complex
clinical picture of whiplash-associated disorders. This systematic review
highlights the need for differentiating between patients with acute
whiplash-associated disorders taking into account the biopsychological framework.

Langue : ANGLAIS