Aerobic exercise and guided imagery for bowel problems after rectal cancer surgery
Official title: "The Effects of Aerobic Exercise and Guided Imagery on Low Anterior Resection Syndrome After Rectal Cancer Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Study"
Run by Biruni University · NCT07732894 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether a program of aerobic exercise plus guided imagery helps people with low anterior resection syndrome after rectal cancer surgery.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Biruni University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Istanbul) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 30, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 30, 2026 |
| Study ends | May 30, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | July 29, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07732894 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults with rectal cancer who have undergone sphincter-preserving surgery, currently have at least mild LARS, and can perform perineal contractions.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with severe comorbidity, BMI over 30, or inability to participate in exercise or guided imagery may have limited or no benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This multicenter randomized study evaluates whether adding aerobic exercise and guided imagery to standard care improves bowel symptoms, quality of life, physical activity, functional capacity, and psychological well-being in patients with LARS after rectal cancer surgery. Participants are randomly assigned to receive the combined intervention or standard care alone, with assessments at baseline and after the intervention using validated measures. The trial focuses on adults with a history of rectal cancer who have moderate LARS symptoms and the ability to participate in the intervention. Outcomes include patient-reported and clinical measures to capture both symptom changes and overall well-being.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could provide a non-pharmacologic option to alleviate LARS symptoms and improve quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies in cancer survivors suggest exercise improves physical function and well-being, but data specifically for LARS are limited, making this approach exploratory in this setting.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
* Upper-Middle-Lower Rectal Cancer
* Having undergone surgery with TMJ
* Having a protective ileostomy and a closed stoma
* Being tumor-free according to laboratory reports (carcinoembryonic antigen), endoscopic findings, and abdominal ultrasonography and/or computed tomography data
* Having at least minor LARS scores ("between 21" and "42") according to the -LARS scoring questionnaire
* Having the ability to perform voluntary perineal traction contractions with perineal palpation
* Being a volunteer with informed consent
Exclusion Criteria:
* History of incontinence or defecation disorder not related to rectal cancer
* Having another type of surgery for rectal cancer (Hartmann procedure, abdominoperineal excision, transanal endoscopic microsurgical resection, or sigmoid resection)
* Deterioration in general health, neurological disease and/or physical disability
* BMI \> 30 kg/m2 (obese individuals)
* Inability to answer questions or make interventions due to mental disorder
Where it's running
-
Memorial Bahçelievler Hospital
Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Burçin Özyürek, Master of Science
- Email: burcinozyurek@gmail.com
- Phone: +905367149912
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Single vs. double stapling and purse-string techniques after rectal cancer surgery
This trial tests whether using a single-stapling method to join the bowel after rectal cancer surgery results in fewer leaks compared with the double-stapling method.
-
Comparison of Different Exercise Protocols for Lipedema
This study tests whether high‑intensity interval training or moderate‑intensity continuous training improves function, strength, and quality of life in adults with lipedema.
-
DEM301 in advanced colorectal cancer: a first-in-human test
This first-in-human Phase 1 study tests DEM301 in adults with advanced metastatic colorectal cancer to see if it is safe, how it behaves in the body, and whether it shows any signs of activity.
-
Rectal cancer registry to track real-world treatments and outcomes
This registry collects real-world data on how locally advanced rectal cancer is treated in Austria, to see how TNT and dMMR/MSI-H cases are managed and what outcomes occur.
-
Progressive Neuromuscular Stabilization vs. Aerobic Exercise for Obesity in Children
This study tests whether technology-assisted progressive neuromuscular stabilization exercises can improve body composition and balance in children with obesity, compared with standard aerobic exercise.
-
Downhill walking training for type 2 diabetes
Researchers compare 8 weeks of downhill walking to level-ground walking in adults with type 2 diabetes to see which more improves walking ability and muscle and heart responses.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.