Neck movement control before and after ACDF surgery
Early Changes in Dynamic Cervical Movement Control Following Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion: A Prospective Controlled Longitudinal Study
We will test whether ACDF surgery helps adults with degenerative cervical discs regain accurate head and neck movements.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Ljubljana Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ljubljana) |
| Trial ID | NCT07425613 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a prospective controlled longitudinal project that enrolls adults scheduled for single‑level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) and time‑matched healthy control participants. Surgical participants are tested before surgery and again one week after, using objective dynamic cervical movement‑control and head‑neck coordination measures (including cervicocephalic kinaesthesia and standardized movement control tests). The protocol excludes prior cervical surgery and unrelated neurological or vestibular disorders to isolate effects of ACDF. Within‑patient changes and between‑group comparisons will be used to characterize early sensorimotor recovery and inform postoperative rehabilitation.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18–65 with single‑level cervical disc pathology who are scheduled for ACDF and can provide informed consent are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with prior cervical surgery, multisite cervical disease, unrelated neurological or vestibular disorders, severe uncorrected visual impairment, or acute unrelated neck/upper‑limb injuries are unlikely to benefit from the study's findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could show whether ACDF leads to early improvement in neck movement control and help tailor postoperative rehabilitation to speed recovery.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research suggests cervical pathology can impair sensorimotor control, but few controlled longitudinal studies have measured early post‑ACDF changes, so direct evidence for this specific question is limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria Surgical group: * Age 18 to 65 years * Clinical diagnosis of cervical disc pathology at one segment level (e.g., cervical disc herniation or degenerative disc disease) * Scheduled to undergo anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) as part of standard clinical care * Ability to understand study procedures and provide written informed consent Non-Surgical neck pain group: * Age 18 to 65 years * Clinical diagnosis of neck pain associated with cervical disc pathology * Not undergoing surgical treatment during the study period * Ability to understand study procedures and provide written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Prior cervical spine surgery * Diagnosed neurological disorders unrelated to cervical disc pathology (e.g., multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, stroke) * Known vestibular disorders affecting balance * Severe uncorrected visual impairment * Acute musculoskeletal injury of the neck or upper limb unrelated to the primary cervical condition * Inability to perform the head-tracking task * Cognitive impairment preventing informed consent
Where this trial is running
Ljubljana
- Faculty of Sport, University of Ljubljana — Ljubljana, Slovenia (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Ziva Majcen Rosker, PhD — Faculty of Sport, University of Ljubljana
- Study coordinator: Ziva dr. Majcen Rosker, PhD
- Email: Ziva.MajcenRosker@fsp.uni-lj.si
- Phone: 00386 51267383
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.