Physical Therapy for Cervical Myelopathy
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether starting rehabilitation earlier after surgery can improve recovery and is feasible and acceptable for adults with degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) undergoing cervical spine surgery. The main question it aims to answer is:
Does starting rehabilitation earlier improve walking, balance, physical activity, quality of life, and nervous system function after surgery?
Researchers will compare participants who begin rehabilitation two weeks after surgery with participants who begin rehabilitation six weeks after surgery to see if earlier rehabilitation leads to better recovery outcomes and participation.
Participants will:
Be randomly assigned to begin rehabilitation either two weeks or six weeks after surgery.
Attend physical therapy sessions twice per week for eight weeks focused on strength, balance, and walking.
Complete assessments of walking ability, balance, physical activity, quality of life, and nervous system function over several months after surgery.
Provide feedback about their experience with the rehabilitation program, including satisfaction and any side effects or challenges related to participation.
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults over 18 with degenerative cervical myelopathy who have had spinal surgery within the past two weeks, are going home after surgery (not to another rehab facility), can stand with help from one person, still have trouble walking or balancing, and can attend an 8-week rehab program in Edmonton.Inclusion Criteria
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Physical Therapy
Trial Overview
The study compares starting physical therapy either two weeks or six weeks after cervical spine surgery. Participants are randomly assigned to a group and attend twice-weekly sessions for eight weeks focusing on strength, balance, and walking.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Participants will begin post-operative rehabilitation 2 weeks following their cervical spine surgery
Participants will begin post-operative rehabilitation 6 weeks following their cervical spine surgery
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Alberta
Lead Sponsor
Alberta Spine Foundation
Collaborator
Unbiased Results
We believe in providing patients with all the options.
Your Data Stays Your Data
We only share your information with the clinical trials you're trying to access.
Verified Trials Only
All of our trials are run by licensed doctors, researchers, and healthcare companies.