Neck-related physical function, self-efficacy and coping strategies in patients with cervical radiculopathy : a randomized clinical trial of postoperative physiotherapy

• Objective: To compare postoperative rehabilitation with structured physiotherapy to standard approach in patients with cervical radiculopathy (CR) based on measures of neck-related physical function, self-efficacy and coping strategies at 6 months follow-up.Design: A randomized clinical trial of postoperative physiotherapy in patients with CR.Subjects: Patients (n= 202) with persistent CR who were scheduled for surgery.Methods: Patients were preoperatively randomized to receive structured postoperative physiotherapy (SPT, n=101) or standard postoperative approach (SA, n=101). SPT combined neck-specific exercises with a behavioral approach. Baseline, 3-month, and 6-month evaluations included questionnaires and clinical examinations. Neck muscle endurance, active cervical range of motion, self-efficacy, pain catastrophizing (CSQ_CAT), perceived control over pain, and ability to decrease pain were analyzed for between-group differences using complete case and per-protocol approaches.Results: No between-group difference was reported at the 6-month follow-up (p = 0.05 to 0.99), but all outcomes had improved from baseline (p<0.001). Patients in the SPT group with ≥50% attendance to treatment sessions showed larger improvements in CSQ_CAT (p= 0.04) during the rehabilitation period from 3 to 6 months after surgery compared to the patients who received SA.Conclusion: No between-group difference in outcomes was found at 6 months after surgery based on measures of neck-related physical function, self-efficacy and coping strategies. However, the results confirm that neck-specific exercises are tolerated by patients with CR after surgery, and that there may be a benefit from combining surgery with structured postoperative physiotherapy in patients with CR.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Neurologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Neurology (hsv//eng)

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap -- Sjukgymnastik (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences -- Physiotherapy (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Cervical radiculopathy

Postoperative physiotherapy

Randomized clinical trial

Physical function

Coping strategies

Cervical Radiculopathy

Coping Skills

Physical Therapy Modalities

Postoperative Period

Randomized Clinical Trial

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)