NeckLab

The NeckLab system has been designed to help speed up recovery following neck injury and pain. It was developed by Kent Neck Pain Centre’s Chris Worsfold in collaboration with Physiotherapy Consultant Professor Jeremy Lewis.

It uses infra red technology to track movements of the head and neck. A reflective dot worn by the patient is tracked by an infra red sensor, placed on top of the computer monitor.

The patient can move the computer cursor on screen simply by moving their head.

We have designed a series of simple games that the patient plays by moving the mouse cursor. Whilst the paitent is playing the game the computer collects data such as speed, acceleration and accuracy of head and neck movement.

We are currently collecting data to establish if there is a difference in movements between healthy people with no neck pain and people with neck pain.

There is a growing body of research evidence that shows that people who have neck pain move their neck more slowly, less smoothly and less accurately. It is currently thought that by exercising the neck in this way, using equipment such as NeckLab, that pain and movement can be improved.