Inter-joint Coordination in Patients with Cervical Spondylosis during Obstacle-crossing

Cervical spondylosis (CS) is a frequent clinical problem characterized by symptoms and signs consistent with cervical spine and spinal cord structural abnormalities [1]. Previous studies have shown that the level of disc prolapse among CS patients in the surgical group mostly occurred around C5 and C6 [2]. Cervical spondylosis with myelopathy (CSM) can affect several motor and sensory pathways travelling along the cord [3]. Balance dysfunction due to CS or CSM can result in falls during walking and obstacle-crossing, leading to physical injuries. Obstacle-crossing during walking is essentially a multi-joint movement, requiring precise swing foot control and a high level of inter-joint coordination of the stance and swing limbs [4-5]. The stability of the coordination patterns, a fundamental feature of functional action, is also essential. Failure to meet these requirements will lead to falls. The purpose of this study was to compare patterns and variability of the inter-joint coordination between the CS group and healthy control group when crossing obstacles of different heights.