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Trials
Published in: Trials 1/2024

Open Access 01-12-2024 | Study protocol

The efficacy of virtual reality technology for the postoperative rehabilitation of patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM): a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Authors: Jiajun Wu, Zhongchuan Sun, Zhichao Ge, Dong Zhang, Jianghan Xu, Rilin Zhang, Xuecheng Liu, Qing Zhao, Hao Sun

Published in: Trials | Issue 1/2024

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Abstract

Background

Patients with cervical spondylosis myelopathy (CSM) may experience severe neurological dysfunction due to untimely spinal cord compression after surgery. These disorders may lead to sensory and motion disorders, causing considerable psychological distress. Recent studies found that virtual reality (VR) technology can be an effective tool for treating spinal cord injuries. Owing to this discovery, we developed an exploratory research project to investigate the impact of this intervention on the postoperative recovery of patients with CSM.

Methods

The purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the efficacy of combining VR technology with conventional rehabilitation strategies for the postoperative rehabilitation of patients with CSM. A total of 78 patients will be recruited and randomized to either the conventional rehabilitation group or the group subjected to VR technology combined with conventional rehabilitation strategies. The Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scale will be the main tool used, and secondary outcomes will be measured via the visual analogue scale (VAS), neck disability index (NDI), and functional MRI (fMRI). The data analysis will identify differences between the intervention and control groups as well as any relationship between the intragroup changes in the functional area of the brain and the subjective scale scores after the intervention.

Discussion

The aim of this trial is to investigate the effect of VR training on the postoperative rehabilitation of patients with CSM after 12 intervention treatments. Positive and negative outcomes will help us better understand the effectiveness of the intervention and its neural impact. If effective, this study could provide new options for the postoperative rehabilitation of patients with CSM.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2300071544). Registered 17 May 2023, https://​www.​chictr.​org.​cn/​.
Appendix
Available only for authorised users
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Metadata
Title
The efficacy of virtual reality technology for the postoperative rehabilitation of patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM): a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors
Jiajun Wu
Zhongchuan Sun
Zhichao Ge
Dong Zhang
Jianghan Xu
Rilin Zhang
Xuecheng Liu
Qing Zhao
Hao Sun
Publication date
01-12-2024
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Trials / Issue 1/2024
Electronic ISSN: 1745-6215
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-024-07962-9

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