# Comparative analysis and correlation of neck proprioception and function among car and motorcycle drivers: A cross-sectional study

**Authors:** Aafreen Aafreen, Abdur Raheem Khan, Ashfaque Khan, Ausaf Ahmad, Adel Alshahrani, Hussain Saleh H. Ghulam, Saeed Y. Al Adal, Yousef Hamad Hassan Al Sharyah, Hashim Ahmed, Muhammad Yaseen Mughal

PMC · DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0340609 · PLOS One · 2026-02-24

## TL;DR

This study compares neck proprioception and function between car and motorcycle drivers, finding that car drivers have worse neck function and more disability.

## Contribution

The study identifies driving type, age, and driving duration as significant factors affecting neck proprioception and function.

## Key findings

- Car drivers had significantly higher CJPE scores, indicating poorer neck proprioception compared to motorcycle drivers.
- NDI scores were higher in car drivers, suggesting greater neck disability.
- A strong positive correlation was found between CJPE and NDI scores.

## Abstract

Neck proprioception and function are essential for individuals engaged in car and motorcycle driving. The comparison and correlation between these factors can vary significantly between car and motorcycle drivers, impacting their driving safety and comfort. The objective of this study was to investigate and compare the correlation between neck proprioception and neck function in individuals who frequently drive cars and motorcycles.

A cohort of 600 regular drivers (300 car and 300 motorcycle drivers) was recruited. Neck proprioception was measured using the Cervical Joint Position Error (CJPE) test, assessing right and left cervical rotation. Neck function was assessed using the Neck Disability Index (NDI). Descriptive statistics, correlation coefficients, and multiple linear regression models were applied for data analysis.

Car drivers demonstrated significantly poorer neck proprioception, indicated by higher CJPE scores (mean = 4.2 for right rotation, 4.1 for left rotation) compared to motorcycle drivers (mean = 3.1 for right rotation, 2.9 for left rotation, p < 0.001). Additionally, car drivers exhibited greater neck disability as shown by higher NDI scores (mean = 12.4) compared to motorcycle drivers (mean = 9.1, p < 0.001). There was a significant positive correlation between CJPE and NDI scores (r = 0.55, p < 0.001).

The findings indicate that car driving is associated with poorer neck proprioception and higher neck disability compared to motorcycle driving. Notably, driving type, age, and driving duration significantly influenced neck proprioception and function. The results highlight the potential importance of proprioceptive training interventions to enhance neck function, particularly for older car drivers and those with prolonged driving experience.

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** neck injuries (MESH:D019838), pain (MESH:D010146), muscle (MESH:D019042), Impaired neck proprioception (MESH:D020886), Neck Disability (MESH:D006258), musculoskeletal disorders (MESH:D009140), whiplash injuries (MESH:D014911), left rotation (MESH:D009759), fatigue (MESH:D005221), accidents (MESH:D000081084), neurological disorders (MESH:D009461), CJPE (MESH:D002575), neck pain (MESH:D019547)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

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## References

28 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12931761/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12931761