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Upright Balance Control in Individuals with Cervical Myelopathy Following Cervical Decompression Surgery: A
Chih-Hsiu Cheng1, Dar-Ming Lai2, Phooi Yee Lau3
1School of Physical Therapy and Graduate Institute of Rehabilitation Science, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City, Taiwan.
Scientific Reports
|June 27, 2020
Summary
Patients with cervical myelopathy showed improved balance after decompression surgery, but remained less stable than healthy individuals. Early balance training is recommended for faster recovery.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Orthopedics
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Cervical myelopathy, caused by spinal cord compression, leads to functional deficits and impaired balance.
- Surgical decompression is a common treatment for cervical myelopathy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate long-term changes in upright balance control after cervical decompression surgery.
- To compare balance in patients with cervical myelopathy to healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort study with 53 cervical myelopathy patients and 22 healthy controls.
- Assessments included JOACMEQ-LEF, 10-second step test, and center-of-pressure (COP) for postural sway.
- Data collected preoperatively and at 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year post-surgery.
Main Results:
- Cervical myelopathy patients showed improved JOACMEQ-LEF scores and reduced COP variables post-surgery.
- Upright posture was less stable in myelopathy patients than controls, both pre- and post-surgery.
- Significant balance control improvement was noted 6 months after surgery, though stability remained reduced compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- Cervical decompression surgery improves balance control in patients with cervical myelopathy.
- Balance deficits persist post-surgery, highlighting the need for continued rehabilitation.
- Initiating balance training within 6 months post-surgery may accelerate recovery.
