Background: Cervicogenic and craniofacial pain disorders, such as chronic neck pain and cervicogenic headache, are often accompanied by impairments in oculomotor control, cervical proprioception, and postural stability. Eye Motor Control Training (EMCT) aims to address these sensorimotor deficits and improve functional outcomes.
Objective: To systematically review recent high-quality evidence on the effects of EMCT or combined oculomotor–sensorimotor interventions on pain, function, and sensorimotor performance in these disorders.
Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane CENTRAL (2016–2025) identified randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews involving adults with cervicogenic headache or chronic neck pain receiving EMCT-based interventions.
Results: One systematic review and four RCTs met inclusion criteria. EMCT significantly improved pain intensity, disability, cervical range of motion, and proprioceptive accuracy compared with standard care. Moderate-to-large effects were observed for gaze stability and joint position sense, with benefits persisting up to 12 months.
Conclusion: EMCT is a promising adjunct to multimodal rehabilitation for cervicogenic and craniofacial pain. It effectively targets sensorimotor dysfunctions underlying chronic pain and disability, though further standardized, large-scale trials are needed to confirm optimal protocols and long-term efficacy.
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- Tobias Giesen (Author), 2025, Integrating Oculomotor and Cervical Sensorimotor Training into Multimodal Rehabilitation of Craniofacial Pain and Headache. Evidence from a Systematic Review of RCTs, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1665969
