Proprioceptive Deficits in Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy

Launched by THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG · Jan 4, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a condition called degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM), which affects the ability to feel where your body is positioned, leading to problems with balance and movement. The goal of the study is to develop a simple and non-invasive way to assess proprioception—the sense that helps you know where your body is in space—specifically in people over 50 years old. By identifying early signs of DCM, the researchers hope to prevent more serious issues and disabilities that can come from this condition.

To be eligible for the trial, participants must be Chinese, aged 50 or older, and have evidence of DCM, even if they do not currently show symptoms. They should not have other serious conditions that could affect their movement or balance. If you join the study, you can expect to undergo some straightforward physical tests to check your balance and movement abilities. This research is important because it aims to improve early detection and help those at risk maintain a better quality of life.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Chinese
• • Aged 50 or above
• • With radiological evidence of degenerative cervical myelopathy, both symptomatic and asymptomatic
• • Nurick grade less than 3
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Non-Chinese ethnicity
• • Aged under 50
• • without any radiological proof of cervical myelopathy
• • Active problems of tuberculosis spine, lumbar spinal diseases, and other problems causing pain or deformities over the limbs that may affect their balance and movement
• • Presents with extra-pyramidal or other disorders involving the cerebellum or frontal lobe of the cerebrum leading to poor balance and gait disturbance
• • Previous spinal operation with residual disturbance in balance or gait
• • Non-communicable patients with insufficient cognitive ability to express their symptoms clearly
• • Non-walker
• • Blind or deaf