Core muscle training to prevent hernias and pain after abdominal surgery
Official title: Impact of Core Muscle Training on Incisional Hernia and Pain After Abdominal Surgery
Run by Insel Gruppe AG, University Hospital Bern · NCT03808584 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if doing core muscle exercises right after abdominal surgery can help prevent hernias and reduce pain afterwards for patients.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 588 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Insel Gruppe AG, University Hospital Bern Academic / other |
| Locations | 5 sites (Koblenz and 4 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 20, 2019 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2030 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2030 |
| Registry record updated | May 5, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT03808584 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults over 18 years old undergoing elective or emergency abdominal surgery with midline or transverse incisions.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are unable to follow study procedures due to language barriers, psychological disorders, or other significant health issues may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the effects of core muscle training on the incidence of incisional hernias and chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) following abdominal surgery. Patients will be randomly assigned to either standard postoperative care or a regimen of core muscle exercises immediately after surgery. The study aims to determine whether engaging in these exercises affects the development of hernias and the severity of CPSP, as well as the potential for sarcopenia. The trial will be conducted across multiple centers, including the University Hospital of Bern and other locations in Switzerland and Germany.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could reduce the incidence of incisional hernias and alleviate chronic pain for patients recovering from abdominal surgery.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of core muscle training post-surgery is relatively novel, existing literature suggests that physical activity may positively influence recovery outcomes, indicating potential for success.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. At the University Hospital of Bern, Kantonsspital Solothurn and Olten and BundeswehrZentralkrankenhaus Koblenz: * Informed Consent as documented by signature (Appendix Informed Consent Form) * Age \> 18 years * Capable of judgment * Undergoing elective or emergency abdominal surgery * Laparoscopic or open surgery, midline or transverse incision 2. At the University Hospital of Lausanne: * Informed Consent as documented by signature (Appendix Informed Consent Form) * Age \> 18 years * Capable of judgment * Undergoing elective open abdominal surgery * Midline or transverse incision Exclusion criteria (in all four participating centres): * Inability to follow the procedures of the study, e.g. due to language problems, psychological disorders (chronic depression, under antidepressants or neuroleptics), dementia, etc. of the participant * Enrolment of the investigator, his/her family members, employees and other dependent persons * Neuromuscular diseases (such as myasthenia gravis or wheelchair-bound patient) * Preexisting chronic pain disorder, patients under chronic opioid therapy (WHO II and III) or pain modulating drugs (antidepressive medication or antiepileptic medication) * End-stage disease * Patients with preexisting abdominal wall mesh, with the exception of inguinal mesh (after inguinal hernia repair)
Where it's running
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BundeswehrZentralkrankenhaus
Koblenz, Germany Recruiting -
University Hospital of Bern, Inselspital
Bern, Switzerland Recruiting -
CHUV, University Hospital of Lausanne
Lausanne, Switzerland Recruiting -
Kantonsspital Olten
Olten, Canton of Solothurn, Switzerland Terminated -
Bürgerspital Solothurn
Solothurn, Switzerland Withdrawn
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Guido Beldi, MD
- Email: guido.beldi@insel.ch
- Phone: 31 632 48 18
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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This test tries a one-time image-guided BOTOX injection into the side abdominal muscles 3–7 weeks before open repair to see if it helps surgeons fully close very large ventral hernias in adults.
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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.