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

Background: There is a paucity of data on physical activity and its effects in patients after cervical spine surgery.

Objective: 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.

Methods: 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.

Results: 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.

Conclusion: The findings emphasize the importance of performing regular physical activity, regardless of pain and CS-related symptoms.