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NCT Number: NCT07382830

Effectiveness of a Visual Feedback Exercise Program Following Lumbar Surgery

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.

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Key information

Conditions

Lumbar Microdiscectomy Postoperative Rehabilitation Randomized Controlled Trial

Age range

18 year–65 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Antalya Provincal Health Directorate Antalya Training and Research Hospital

Antalya, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location status: Recruiting

Location contact

Cezmi Türk, Dr

CONTACT

[email protected]

+90 533 234 25 93

About this study

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.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

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

Treatment and study plan

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.

Other names: Laser-Guided Supervised Exercise

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.

Other names: Control Group

Primary outcomes

  1. Pain Assessment

    Time frame: 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).

  2. Disability Assessment

    Time frame: 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).

  3. Lumbar Proprioception Assessment

    Time frame: 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.

  4. Back Awareness Assessment

    Time frame: 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 outcomes

  1. Trunk Muscle Endurance Assessment

    Time frame: 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.

  2. Lower Extremity Reaction Time Assessment

    Time frame: 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.

  3. Balance Assessment

    Time frame: 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.

  4. Functional Performance Assessment

    Time frame: 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.

Other outcomes

  1. Level of compliance with educational recommendations

    Time frame: Postoperative week 6

    Participants' level of compliance with the back training and daily life recommendations provided to them during the postoperative period will be assessed using a self-report form.

  2. Additional interventions

    Time frame: Up to 8 weeks

    Participants will be asked whether they are receiving any other physical therapy, exercise program, or conservative treatment, and this information will be recorded.

  3. Adverse event and adverse reaction monitoring

    Time frame: Up to 8 weeks

    Any increase in pain, musculoskeletal complaints, or other potential adverse events that may occur during the exercise will be questioned and recorded during the sessions. Intervention will be terminated if necessary.

  4. Drop-out and withdrawal reasons

    Time frame: Up to 8 weeks

    The reasons for participants leaving the study (lack of motivation, health issues, incompatibility, etc.) will be documented and reported in the analyses.

  5. Adherence to exercise sessions

    Time frame: Post-intervention (postoperative week 14)

    The therapist will record participants' level of attendance at exercise sessions. Attendance at at least 80% of total sessions will be considered sufficient exercise compliance.

  6. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics

    Time frame: Post-operative day 1

    Gender

  7. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics

    Time frame: Post-operative day 1

    Age (years)

  8. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics

    Time frame: Post-operative day 1

    Body mass index (kg/m2)

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

İsmet Tümtürk, MSc

CONTACT

[email protected]

+90 537 388 56 81

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Suleyman Demirel University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

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

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2028
Study completion
2028
First posted
Feb 3, 2026
Registry last updated
Feb 3, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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