Early Detection of Proprioceptive Dysfunction in Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy by Proprioceptive Functional Analysis in Activities of Daily Living
Proprioceptive deficits in degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) is a progressive neurological deficits in somatosensory and motor function which affects the body balance and motor control. DCM usually presents with body incoordination, hand clumsiness and gait disturbance associated with proprioceptive dysfunction that hinders the physical performance and functions. In this study, a non-invasive assessment protocol on proprioception will be developed for detecting subtle proprioceptive deficits at the early stage of disease through simple Physical Performance Tests for population older than 45. By adopting the physical performance tests as the diagnostic predictors of DCM, we aim to avoid the development of devastating consequences and disabilities.
• Chinese
• Aged 50 or above
• With radiological evidence of degenerative cervical myelopathy, both symptomatic and asymptomatic
• Nurick grade less than 3