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

Abstract

There is a paucity of data on physical activity and its effects in patients after cervical spine surgery. This study aimed to examine the association between physical activity and disability in patients after cervical spine surgery while also considering age, sex, pain, and central sensitization (CS)-related symptoms. Participants included individuals with a cervical degenerative condition who had undergone surgery. Neck disability index, physical activity frequency, numerical rating scale for pain intensity, and short form of the CS inventory were recorded more than 1 year postoperatively. The linear mixed model was performed to examine the association between physical activity and disability. The responses of 145 participants were analyzed. The linear mixed model results showed that the stretching and light-intensity exercise frequency (β=-0.14, p= 0.039) was independently associated with disability, adjusted for age, sex, pain, and CS-related symptoms. Conversely, other physical activities, such as walking and muscle strength exercises, were not associated with a disability. The findings emphasize the importance of performing regular physical activity, regardless of pain and CS-related symptoms.