Laser-guided visual feedback exercise program after lumbar microdiscectomy
Efficacy of Laser Pointer-Guided Visual Feedback Stabilization Exercise Program After Lumbar Microdiscectomy Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial
We will test whether adding laser-pointer visual feedback to stabilization exercises helps adults recovering from lumbar microdiscectomy improve pain, function, and balance.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 42 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Suleyman Demirel University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Antalya) |
| Trial ID | NCT07382830 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized controlled trial will enroll 42 adults aged 18–65 who have undergone lumbar microdiscectomy and randomize them to supervised stabilization exercises with or without laser-pointer visual feedback. Both groups will follow similar exercise content three times per week for eight weeks, beginning in the sixth postoperative week. Outcomes measured before and after the program include pain, disability, back awareness, trunk muscle endurance, reaction time, balance, functional performance, and lumbar proprioception. The laser-guided group will receive additional visual feedback during exercises to improve movement accuracy and proprioceptive control.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are Turkish-literate adults aged 18–65 who have undergone lumbar microdiscectomy, have BMI under 30, and have no prior lumbar fusion or other serious cardiac, neurologic, spinal tumor, or systemic conditions that preclude exercise.
Not a fit: Patients with prior lumbar disc surgery, fusion procedures, BMI over 30, cauda equina syndrome, lumbar spinal tumors, severe heart failure or recent stroke, or other contraindications to exercise are unlikely to benefit or may be ineligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the laser-guided program could improve pain, balance, trunk control, and functional recovery after microdiscectomy compared with standard exercises.
How similar studies have performed: Prior rehabilitation research supports that visual feedback and biofeedback can improve trunk control and proprioception, but laser-pointer guided programs specifically after lumbar microdiscectomy remain relatively novel with limited randomized evidence.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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
Where this trial is running
Antalya
- Antalya Provincal Health Directorate Antalya Training and Research Hospital — Antalya, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Cezmi Türk — Antalya Provincal Health Directorate Antalya Training and Research Hospital
- Study coordinator: İsmet Tümtürk, MSc
- Email: fztismet@gmail.com
- Phone: +90 537 388 56 81
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.