Rehabilitation to prevent nearby spine degeneration after lumbar fusion in high-risk older adults
Official title: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Multimodal Rehabilitation Versus Standard Care on Adjacent Segment Degeneration in Frail Elderly Patients Undergoing Short-Segment Lumbar Fusion
Run by Xuanwu Hospital, Beijing · NCT07396051 · Data updated 2026-11-12
We will see if a structured multimodal rehab program started 12 weeks after short-segment lumbar fusion helps delay or reduce adjacent segment degeneration in frail people aged 75 and older.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 75 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 212 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Xuanwu Hospital, Beijing Academic / other |
| Locations | 3 sites (Beijing, Beijing Municipality and 2 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 25, 2026 |
| Main results expected | March 1, 2028 |
| Study ends | March 1, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | February 17, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07396051 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are frail adults aged 75 or older scheduled for first-time posterior short-segment (1–2 level) lumbar instrumented fusion who can give informed consent and commit to supervised rehab and two years of follow-up.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with prior lumbar surgery, lumbar disease from tumor/trauma/infection/congenital deformity, or severe comorbidities (for example advanced dementia or severe cardiopulmonary disease) that prevent participation are unlikely to benefit from this rehabilitation program.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a prospective, randomized controlled trial enrolling frail patients aged 75 and older undergoing first-time posterior short-segment (1–2 level) lumbar instrumented fusion. Participants are randomized to a supervised multimodal rehabilitation program begun 12 weeks after surgery or to standard postoperative care, with interventions targeting paraspinal muscle endurance, global alignment, bone health, and overall frailty. The rehab program combines progressive resistance and stabilization training, bone-loading and balance exercises, and optimization of nutrition/osteoporosis management under physiotherapist supervision. Outcomes focus on imaging and clinical measures of adjacent segment degeneration and functional status over a two-year follow-up.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could slow degeneration at levels next to the fusion, reduce pain and disability, and lower the likelihood of needing additional spine surgery.
How similar studies have gone: While components like resistance training and bone-loading exercises have shown benefit for muscle strength and bone density in older adults, a targeted multimodal program specifically designed to prevent adjacent segment degeneration after fusion is novel and not yet proven.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age ≥ 75 years. * Classified as "frail" according to the Fried frailty phenotype. * Scheduled for first-time, posterior short-segment (1-2 levels) lumbar instrumented fusion surgery. * Willing and able to provide written informed consent and complete the 2-year follow-up. Exclusion Criteria: * History of previous lumbar spine surgery. * Lumbar pathology due to tumor, trauma, infection, or congenital deformity. * Comorbidities with a severe impact on prognosis or ability to participate in rehabilitation (e.g., severe cardiopulmonary disease, advanced dementia).
Where it's running
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Beijing Friendship Hospital
Beijing, Beijing Municipality, China Recruiting -
Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, Beijing 10034
Beijing, Beijing Municipality, China Recruiting -
Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University
Beijing, Beijing Municipality, China Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Lu Shibao, MD.
- Email: 1831327488@qq.com
- Phone: 18310031517
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Extended interbody fusion for lumbar disc degeneration
This study is testing if adding an extra fusion segment helps people with lumbar disc degeneration who have already had surgery feel better and avoid more surgery in the future.
-
Microdecompression alone vs. decompression with fusion in adjacent segment stenosis
This trial tests whether a less invasive microdecompression can work as well as adding a fusion extension for people with adjacent segment stenosis after prior lumbar fusion.
-
Comparing decompression surgery to decompression with fusion for adjacent segment disease
This study is testing whether surgery to relieve pressure alone is just as good as surgery that also includes fusion for people dealing with problems after previous back surgery.
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.