Early rehab after spine surgery: could two weeks be better than six?

NCT ID NCT07636135

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study looks at whether starting physical therapy two weeks after cervical spine surgery helps adults with degenerative myelopathy recover walking, balance, and strength better than waiting six weeks. Twenty participants will be randomly assigned to start rehab at either two or six weeks after surgery, attending twice-weekly sessions for eight weeks. Researchers will measure walking speed, endurance, balance, and quality of life over several months to see if earlier rehab is both feasible and more effective.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Physical therapy (task-specific exercises for strength, balance, and walking)

What this could lead to

If earlier rehab works, it could lead to faster and better recovery of walking and balance after spinal surgery for myelopathy.

What could go wrong

This is a very small early feasibility study with only 20 people, so results may not apply to everyone. Starting rehab too early might also cause discomfort or setbacks.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

spinal cord injury

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.