Lumbar Microdiscectomy, Postoperative Rehabilitation, Randomized Controlled Trial
Conditions
Brief summary
The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of stabilization exercises performed with visual feedback guided by a laser pointer after lumbar microdiscectomy surgery with that of standard stabilization exercises. The study, planned as a randomized controlled trial, will include 42 individuals aged 18-65 who have undergone lumbar microdiscectomy. Participants will be divided into two groups: a control group and a laser-guided exercise group. Both groups will undergo supervised stabilization exercises 3 days a week for 8 weeks, starting from the 6th postoperative week. The outcome measures were defined as pain, disability, back awareness, trunk muscle endurance, reaction time, balance, function, and lumbar proprioception. The findings are expected to demonstrate the effectiveness of visual feedback-assisted stabilization exercises in postoperative rehabilitation and contribute to clinical practice.
Detailed description
This study is a randomized controlled trial designed to compare the effects of stabilization exercises performed with laser-guided visual feedback and conventional stabilization exercises in individuals who have undergone lumbar microdiscectomy surgery. A total of 42 participants aged 18-65 years who have undergone lumbar microdiscectomy will be included in the study. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a control group or a laser-guided exercise group. Both groups will receive supervised stabilization exercise programs three times per week for eight weeks, starting from the sixth postoperative week. The exercise content will be similar in both groups, with the laser-guided group receiving additional visual feedback during exercises. Outcome measures will be assessed at baseline and after completion of the intervention. Assessments will include pain, disability, back awareness, trunk muscle endurance, reaction time, balance, functional performance, and lumbar proprioception. The results of this study are expected to contribute to evidence-based postoperative rehabilitation approaches following lumbar microdiscectomy.
Interventions
OTHERExercise
Participants undergo supervised stabilization exercises for a total of 24 sessions over 8 weeks, starting 6 weeks after lumbar microdiscectomy surgery, 3 days a week. The exercises will be performed with visual feedback provided by a laser pointer placed on the lumbar region. Participants will be asked to keep the laser pointer fixed on a designated point or line on the reference diagram in front of them during the exercises. The program includes posterior pelvic tilt, partial sit-ups, bird-dog, abdominal bracing in the supine position (progression with limb movements), straight and side planks, bridge building, pelvic floor, and diaphragmatic breathing exercises. Repetitive exercises will be performed in 3 sets of 10 repetitions, while plank exercises will initially be performed in 3 repetitions of 15-30 seconds, with progression based on the individual's performance and weeks. All participants will be provided with a post-operative training program in video format.
OTHERControl
Starting 6 weeks after surgery, a supervised stabilization exercise program consisting of 24 sessions over 8 weeks, 3 days a week, will be implemented. The same exercises as in the laser group will be performed, but without the use of visual feedback. All participants will be provided with a post-operative training program in video format.
Sponsors
Suleyman Demirel University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 65 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* To be between 18 and 65 years of age * Patients who underwent lumbar microdiscectomy surgery * Individuals who are literate in Turkish
Exclusion criteria
* Patients who have previously undergone lumbar disc herniation surgery * The surgical procedure involving fusion has been performed. * Having a body mass index above 30 * Suspected or confirmed tumors in the lumbar spine and spinal canal * Severe heart failure and cerebrovascular accident * The presence of cauda equina syndrome and concomitant diseases of the lumbar spine * The presence of heart conditions, orthopedic contraindications, or systemic diseases that could prevent participation in the exercise program * Refusing to participate in the study
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Pain Assessment | All primary and secondary outcomes will be assessed at baseline (postoperative week 6) and post-intervention (postoperative week 14). | It will be assessed using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS). |
| Disability Assessment | All primary and secondary outcomes will be assessed at baseline (postoperative week 6) and post-intervention (postoperative week 14). | It will be measured using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). |
| Lumbar Proprioception Assessment | All primary and secondary outcomes will be assessed at baseline (postoperative week 6) and post-intervention (postoperative week 14). | It will be measured using a smartphone-based inclinometer application. |
| Back Awareness Assessment | All primary and secondary outcomes will be assessed at baseline (postoperative week 6) and post-intervention (postoperative week 14). | It will be assessed using the Fremantle Back Awareness Questionnaire. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Trunk Muscle Endurance Assessment | All primary and secondary outcomes will be assessed at baseline (postoperative week 6) and post-intervention (postoperative week 14). | The McGill Endurance Tests will measure the endurance of the trunk flexor and lateral muscles. |
| Lower Extremity Reaction Time Assessment | All primary and secondary outcomes will be assessed at baseline (postoperative week 6) and post-intervention (postoperative week 14). | The motor response time to visual stimuli will be evaluated using the FITLIGHT® system. |
| Balance Assessment | All primary and secondary outcomes will be assessed at baseline (postoperative week 6) and post-intervention (postoperative week 14). | Static postural control will be measured using the one-leg stance test. |
| Functional Performance Assessment | All primary and secondary outcomes will be assessed at baseline (postoperative week 6) and post-intervention (postoperative week 14). | Functional mobility will be assessed using the timed up and go test. |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Contacts
CONTACTİsmet Tümtürk, MSc
STUDY_CHAIRİsmet Tümtürk, MSc
Süleyman Demirel University
STUDY_DIRECTORFerdi Başkurt, PhD
Süleyman Demirel University
PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATORCezmi Türk
ANTALYA PROVINCAL HEALTH DIRECTORATE ANTALYA TRAINING AND RESEARCH HOSPITAL
PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATORFatih Özden
Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University
Outcome results
None listed