Effectiveness of a Visual Feedback Exercise Program Following Lumbar Surgery

NCT07382830 | Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: Laser Pointer Exercise
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 42
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

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.

Conditions

Lumbar Microdiscectomy; Postoperative Rehabilitation; Randomized Controlled Trial

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (4)

• Pain Assessment

  It will be assessed using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS).

  All primary and secondary outcomes will be assessed at baseline (postoperative week 6) and post-intervention (postoperative week 14).

• Disability Assessment

  It will be measured using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI).

  All primary and secondary outcomes will be assessed at baseline (postoperative week 6) and post-intervention (postoperative week 14).

• Lumbar Proprioception Assessment

  It will be measured using a smartphone-based inclinometer application.

  All primary and secondary outcomes will be assessed at baseline (postoperative week 6) and post-intervention (postoperative week 14).

• Back Awareness Assessment

  It will be assessed using the Fremantle Back Awareness Questionnaire.

  All primary and secondary outcomes will be assessed at baseline (postoperative week 6) and post-intervention (postoperative week 14).

Secondary Outcomes (4)

• Trunk Muscle Endurance Assessment

  All primary and secondary outcomes will be assessed at baseline (postoperative week 6) and post-intervention (postoperative week 14).

• Lower Extremity Reaction Time Assessment

  All primary and secondary outcomes will be assessed at baseline (postoperative week 6) and post-intervention (postoperative week 14).

• Balance Assessment

  All primary and secondary outcomes will be assessed at baseline (postoperative week 6) and post-intervention (postoperative week 14).

• Functional Performance Assessment

  All primary and secondary outcomes will be assessed at baseline (postoperative week 6) and post-intervention (postoperative week 14).

Other Outcomes (8)

• Level of compliance with educational recommendations

  Postoperative week 6

• Additional interventions

  Up to 8 weeks

• Adverse event and adverse reaction monitoring

  Up to 8 weeks

Study Arms (2)

Laser-Guided Exercise Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants received a supervised stabilization exercise program guided by visual feedback using a laser pointer, in addition to standard postoperative care following lumbar microdiscectomy surgery.

Other: Exercise

Control Group

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Participants received a supervised stabilization exercise program without standard postoperative care, back training, or visual feedback following lumbar microdiscectomy surgery.

Other: Control

Interventions

Exercise OTHER

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.

Also known as: Laser-Guided Supervised Exercise

Laser-Guided Exercise Group

Control OTHER

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.

Also known as: Control Group

Control Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 65 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• To be between 18 and 65 years of age
• Patients who underwent lumbar microdiscectomy surgery
• Individuals who are literate in Turkish

You may not qualify if:

• 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

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Suleyman Demirel University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Antalya Provincal Health Directorate Antalya Training and Research Hospital

Antalya, Turkey (Türkiye)

RECRUITING

MeSH Terms

Interventions

Exercise; Control Groups

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Motor Activity; Movement; Musculoskeletal Physiological Phenomena; Musculoskeletal and Neural Physiological Phenomena; Epidemiologic Research Design; Epidemiologic Methods; Investigative Techniques; Research Design; Methods

Study Officials

• İsmet Tümtürk, MSc

  Süleyman Demirel University

  STUDY CHAIR

• Ferdi Başkurt, PhD

  Süleyman Demirel University

  STUDY DIRECTOR

• Cezmi Türk

  ANTALYA PROVINCAL HEALTH DIRECTORATE ANTALYA TRAINING AND RESEARCH HOSPITAL

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

• Fatih Özden

  Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

İsmet Tümtürk, MSc

CONTACT

+90 537 388 56 81; fztismet@gmail.com

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Physical therapist, MSc

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: January 17, 2026
• First Posted: February 3, 2026
• Study Start: January 16, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): March 31, 2028
• Study Completion (Estimated): June 30, 2028
• Last Updated: February 3, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-01

Locations

TU (1)