Internet-based cognitive behavioral program to rebuild core strength after lumbar fusion

Efficacy of Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Back Muscle Strength Loss, Chronic Pain, and Poor Patient Recovery Perceptions After Lumbar Fusion

NA · Affiliated 2 Hospital of Nantong University · NCT07030582

This trial tests an internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy program to help adults who had single-level lumbar fusion for lumbar disc herniation improve core muscle training, reduce pain, and speed recovery.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 55 Years
SexAll
SponsorAffiliated 2 Hospital of Nantong University (other)
Locations1 site (Nantong, Jiangsu)
Trial IDNCT07030582 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Researchers will develop an internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) protocol focused on core muscle training by identifying and addressing cognitive and behavioral barriers to postoperative exercise. The program aims to change patients' beliefs, remove unhelpful behaviors, and encourage healthy habits such as core strengthening after lumbar fusion. The CBT intervention will be delivered online alongside standard postoperative care and compared with conventional postoperative care approaches. Key outcomes include postoperative pain, lumbar stability, and functional recovery over the rehabilitation period.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults 18–55 years old with single-level lumbar fusion for lumbar disc herniation, no prior lumbar surgery, treated by the study surgical team, willing to follow the protocol, and with home WiFi access.

Not a fit: Patients with postoperative infection, revision surgery, cauda equina syndrome, major psychiatric disorders, severe cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease, congenital exercise restrictions, or those outside the age range are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the program could reduce postoperative pain, improve lumbar stability, and increase adherence to core strengthening to speed rehabilitation.

How similar studies have performed: Internet-delivered CBT has shown benefits for chronic low back pain and function in prior studies, but applying internet CBT specifically to postoperative core muscle training after lumbar fusion is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* age between 18 and 55 years
* diagnosis of lumbar disc herniation requiring single-level lumbar fusion surgery - no previous history of lumbar surgery
* Surgical procedures performed by the same surgical team
* willingness to comply with the study protocol and restrictions
* availability of a home WiFi connection

Exclusion Criteria:

* lumbar surgery secondary to neoplasm, tuberculosis, infection, or inflammation
* postoperative infection or revision surgery
* presence of cauda equina syndrome
* diagnosis of schizophrenia, cognitive impairment, or other psychiatric disorders
* coexisting severe cardiovascular or cerebrovascular diseases, or congenital conditions precluding exercise participation.

Where this trial is running

Nantong, Jiangsu

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.