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Recruiting NCT06202443

NCT06202443 Function After Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion Surgery: Timing of Physical Therapy

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Clinical Trial Summary
NCT ID NCT06202443
Status Recruiting
Phase
Sponsor Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Condition Cervical Spine Degeneration
Study Type INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment 76 participants
Start Date 2024-02-01
Primary Completion 2026-12-31

Eligibility & Interventions

Sex All sexes
Min Age 18 Years
Max Age 75 Years
Study Type INTERVENTIONAL
Interventions
Early PTDelayed PT

Eligibility Fast-Check

Enter your details for a quick preliminary check. This does not replace medical advice.

What to Expect as a Participant

You will actively receive the study intervention — which may be a drug, biologic, device, or procedure.

This trial targets 76 participants in total. It began in 2024-02-01 with a primary completion date of 2026-12-31.

⚠ This information is for research awareness only. Always consult your physician before joining any clinical trial. Participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time.

Brief Summary

The goal of this two-group randomized clinical trial is to examine the effects of early postoperative PT compared to delayed postoperative PT for improving outcomes after hospital discharge for ACDF surgery. The main question this clinical trial aims to answer are: * Whether early PT participants will demonstrate greater improvements in outcomes compared to delayed PT participants. * Whether improvements in handgrip strength, cervical endurance, and cervical range of motion will be associated with improvements in outcomes. Participants will be randomized to one of two groups (early PT or delayed PT) and outcomes compared across groups.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria: * Surgical treatment of a cervical degenerative condition using a 1- or 2-level ACDF procedure; * English speaking due to feasibility of employing study personnel to deliver and assess the study intervention; and * Age 18-75 years of age (individuals older than 75 are more likely to experience respiratory and nervous system complications and death following ACDF) Exclusion Criteria: * Surgery secondary to trauma, fracture, tumor, infection, or spinal deformity; * Undergoing cervical corpectomy; * Prior history of cervical spine surgery in last 5 years; * Diagnosis or presence of osteoporosis; * Diagnosis or presence of severe psychiatric disorder such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder; * Documented history of alcohol and/or drug abuse; * Currently involved in litigation due to injury; * Currently undergoing treatment for cancer; * Patients not able to return for follow-up visits due to time and travel limitation or other reasons; and * Unable to provide a stable telephone or physical address

Contact & Investigator

Central Contact

Amanda Priest

✉ amanda.priest@vumc.org

📞 615-421-8336

Principal Investigator

Kristin Archer, PhD

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can join the NCT06202443 clinical trial?

This trial is open to participants of all sexes, aged 18 Years or older, up to 75 Years, studying Cervical Spine Degeneration. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.

Is NCT06202443 currently recruiting?

Yes, NCT06202443 is actively recruiting participants. Contact the research team at amanda.priest@vumc.org for enrollment information.

Where is the NCT06202443 trial being conducted?

This trial is being conducted at Honolulu, United States, Nashville, United States, Fort Sam Houston, United States, Tacoma, United States.

Who is sponsoring the NCT06202443 clinical trial?

NCT06202443 is sponsored by Vanderbilt University Medical Center. The principal investigator is Kristin Archer, PhD at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. The trial plans to enroll 76 participants.

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ClinicalMetric — Independent clinical trial intelligence platform. Not affiliated with NIH, ClinicalTrials.gov, the U.S. FDA, or any pharmaceutical company, hospital, or clinical research organization. Trial data is sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Do not make any treatment, enrollment, or health decisions based solely on information found here — always consult a qualified healthcare professional. Full Disclaimer  ·  Last Reviewed: September 2026  ·  Data Methodology