Relationship between disability and physical activity frequency after cervical spine surgery: A linear mixed model...

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Neurosurgery
• Physical Therapy

Background:

• Limited data exists on the impact of physical activity in patients post-cervical spine surgery.
• Understanding physical activity's role is crucial for rehabilitation and functional recovery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between physical activity and disability in individuals after cervical spine surgery.
• To assess the influence of age, sex, pain, and central sensitization (CS) symptoms on this association.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of patients with cervical degenerative conditions who underwent surgery was studied.
• Data collected over 1 year post-surgery included neck disability, physical activity frequency, pain intensity, and CS symptoms.
• A linear mixed model was employed to analyze the association between physical activity and disability.

Main Results:

• Stretching and light-intensity exercise frequency showed an independent association with reduced disability (β=-0.14, p=0.039), even after adjusting for other factors.
• Walking and muscle-strengthening exercises did not demonstrate a significant association with disability levels.
• Analysis included 145 participants' responses.

Conclusions:

• Regular engagement in specific physical activities, particularly stretching and light exercise, is linked to better outcomes in post-cervical spine surgery patients.
• The benefits of these activities persist irrespective of pain levels or central sensitization symptoms.
• This highlights the importance of tailored physical activity recommendations for this patient group.