NCT07030582

Efficacy of Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Back Muscle Strength Loss, Chronic Pain, and Poor Patient Recovery Perceptions After Lumbar Fusion

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 100 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Jiawei Jiang · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 55 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This study aims to develop an Internet-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy protocol for core muscle training, based on an understanding of factors impeding postoperative core muscle training in lumbar surgery patients. The protocol is designed to reconstruct patients' cognition, eliminate adverse behaviors, and promote healthy behaviors such as core muscle training among LDH patients. The ultimate objectives are to alleviate postoperative pain, enhance lumbar stability, and facilitate disease rehabilitation in patients following lumbar surgery.

Conditions

• Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy	The intervention group received a comprehensive core muscle training protocol delivered through a digital rehabilitation platform from hospital admission to 6 months post-surgery. The protocol began with initial screening, including online assessments of cognitive misconceptions, kinesiophobia, and posture analysis. Pain-related cognitive restructuring was addressed through virtual reality sessions, educational videos, and mindfulness breathing guidance. Behavioral activation incorporated graded exposure therapy with EMG biofeedback, interactive knowledge quizzes, and peer modeling. Exercise skills were developed through personalized progressive training with real-time video guidance, and protocols were adjusted based on mid-term assessments. Behavioral reinforcement strategies included recovery support groups, compliance tracking, and integration of exercises into daily activities. A three-tier warning system (Red/Yellow/Green) was implemented to monitor safety and compliance, trigger
BEHAVIORAL	Basic Postoperative Care	All participants were instructed to maintain their usual daily activities and abstain from additional treatments throughout the 6-month study period.
BEHAVIORAL	Conventional Postoperative Care	The control group received conventional postoperative care, which included the establishment of a WeChat support group and provision of a rehabilitation manual focusing on core muscle training on the first postoperative day. Physical therapists provided individualized bedside instruction to ensure proper exercise techniques. Structured follow-up was conducted via telephone or social media (weekly during the first month, then monthly from months 2-6, with each session lasting at least 15 minutes) to provide psychological support and exercise guidance through relaxation techniques and individualized core muscle training progression.

Timeline

• Start date: 2023-12-01
• Primary completion: 2027-07-31
• Completion: 2027-12-31
• First posted: 2025-06-22
• Last updated: 2025-06-22

Locations

1 site across 1 country: China