Early Versus Usual Rehabilitation After Cervical Spine Surgery for Degenerative Myelopathy Evaluating Recovery of Walking, Balance, and Quality of Life

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to determine if starting rehabilitation earlier after cervical spine surgery can improve recovery outcomes for adults with degenerative cervical myelopathy DCM. The study compares starting rehabilitation at two weeks versus six weeks post-surgery to see if earlier therapy improves walking, balance, physical activity, quality of life, and nervous system function. Participants will be randomly assigned to begin physical therapy either two weeks or six weeks after surgery. They will attend therapy sessions twice a week for eight weeks, focusing on strength, balance, and walking skills. The study groups include one receiving usual care rehabilitation starting at six weeks and the other receiving early rehabilitation starting at two weeks post-surgery. During the study, participants will complete assessments measuring walking ability, balance, physical activity, quality of life, and nervous system function at multiple points after surgery. Feedback about their rehabilitation experience, including satisfaction and any challenges or side effects, will also be collected. The primary outcome is the change in walking speed measured by the Ten Metre Walk Test after eight weeks of rehabilitation.

Timing of Rehabilitation Following Cervical Spinal Surgery in Degenerative Myelopathy