Clinical Research Directory

Evaluation of the Statistical Validity of Cervical Spine Measurements-Including Range of Motion, Strength, and Functional Test Results-for Return to Sport in Patients Who Have Undergone Surgery for Cervical Stenosis and/or Herniation.

Cervical stenosis is characterized by a narrowing of the spinal canal that exerts pressure on adjacent sensitive areas, potentially causing significant neck pain and cervicobrachial neuralgia accompanied by functional limitations-conditions that are particularly disabling for athletes. Among the athletic population, anterior cervical discectomy with fusion is the gold-standard surgical treatment. Currently, there is no consensus regarding the timing for a safe return to sports following surgical treatment for cervical stenosis. While various clinical tests are used to assess mobility or pain, no single test specifically evaluates the level of functional recovery.

The Cervical "STRETCH" Study

Neck pain and reduced cervical range of motion (ROM) are common musculoskeletal concerns that can significantly impact an individual's quality of life and daily routine. This is especially true for medical students who spend a disproportionate amount of time on their computers or mobile devices, as is required by their long study hours. A simple stretching routine is often recommended by physicians and physical therapists alike, but there is little research examining short-term changes in cervical range of motion (ROM) and pain when a brief, structured daily stretching program is used. The goal of this single-group study is to test feasibility and determine how well a daily cervical stretching regimen affects cervical ROM and self-reported pain in osteopathic medical students with cervical ROM restrictions. Researchers will measure changes in cervical ROM using a goniometer and changes in pain levels via the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Participants will be asked to complete a 7-day period of no stretching, during which natural measurements will be taken, followed by 7 days of completing the 5-minute stretching routine, after which more measurements will be taken. Participants will also be asked to complete a post-study survey and a 1-month follow-up survey to provide feedback on the study and the stretching routine.

Mobility of the Cervical Spine in Patients With Unspecific Neck Pain

The goal of this clinical trials is to describe and correlate the posture, function and disability of the cervical spine in patients with unspecific neck pain. The research hypothesis is: In patients with unspecific neck pain, there is a significant correlation between posture, function and disability of the cervical spine. Participants will take part in functional tests and complete surveys and questionnaires.