NCT07382830

Effectiveness of a Visual Feedback Exercise Program Following Lumbar Surgery

Efficacy of Laser Pointer-Guided Visual Feedback Stabilization Exercise Program After Lumbar Microdiscectomy Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 42 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Suleyman Demirel University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 65 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

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.

Conditions

• Lumbar Microdiscectomy
• Postoperative Rehabilitation
• Randomized Controlled Trial

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Exercise	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.
OTHER	Control	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.

Timeline

• Start date: 2026-01-16
• Primary completion: 2028-03-31
• Completion: 2028-06-30
• First posted: 2026-02-03
• Last updated: 2026-02-03

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)