Investigating Balance in Elderly Patients with Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

Postural Imbalance Amongst Elderly Patients With Symptomatic Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Before and After Decompressive Surgery

Observational Region Zealand · NCT06075862

This study is testing how decompressive surgery affects balance in older adults with lumbar spinal stenosis before and after the procedure.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages65 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorRegion Zealand Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Køge and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06075862 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study focuses on elderly patients suffering from lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) and aims to assess the effects of decompressive surgery on their postural balance. It will measure balance before and after surgery, as well as at regular intervals during the recovery process. The study addresses a gap in current research regarding the objective evaluation of balance improvements following surgical intervention for LSS. By understanding these effects, the study seeks to enhance treatment strategies for this common degenerative condition.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are elderly patients aged 65 and older who are scheduled for decompressive spinal surgery due to symptomatic lumbar spinal stenosis.

Not a fit: Patients with severe comorbidities, recent spinal surgery, or cognitive impairments may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved surgical outcomes and rehabilitation strategies for elderly patients with lumbar spinal stenosis, enhancing their balance and quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: While many studies have explored surgical outcomes for lumbar spinal stenosis, the specific focus on balance improvement post-surgery is less well-documented, making this approach relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥ 65 years
* Referred to decompressive spinal surgery due to symptomatic lumbar spinal stenosis at ≥ 1 level
* Central canal LSS grade B or C (Schizas classification) at ≥ 1 level by Magnetic Resonance Imaging
* Minimum of 3 months of unsuccessful non-operative treatment

Exclusion Criteria:

* Signs of malignancy or infection in the spinal column
* Severe comorbidities incl. neurodegenerative conditions which may contribute to balance problems
* Revision surgery (previous decompression surgery at the same vertebral level)
* Spinal surgery up to 1 year prior to the date of inclusion
* Mini Mental State Exam (MMSE) score of ≤ 27 points
* Degenerative spondylolisthesis more than 3mm on pre-operative imaging diagnostics

Where this trial is running

Køge and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Lumbar Spinal StenosisSpinal stenosisElderlyBalanceSurgery
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.