Simple bed exercises to reduce postoperative ileus after colorectal surgery
Official title: Simple Bed Exercises for Reducing Postoperative Ileus in Colorectal Surgical Patients, a Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by The University of Hong Kong · NCT07014046 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This test tries simple bed exercises to see if they help adults who develop postoperative ileus after elective colorectal surgery get their bowels working sooner.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 76 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | The University of Hong Kong Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 1, 2024 |
| Main results expected | September 30, 2025 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2025 |
| Registry record updated | June 18, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07014046 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults (≥18) who had elective colorectal surgery, are currently experiencing postoperative ileus, can give informed consent, and can physically perform simple bed exercises are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who required prolonged postoperative intensive care (>1 day), have severe cognitive impairment or physical limitations, or are not on the elective surgery list are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized interventional study at United Christian Hospital will enroll adults who have undergone elective colorectal surgery and are experiencing postoperative ileus. Participants are randomized 1:1 by computer to a group that receives education and performs simple bed exercises or to a control group receiving usual care. Those in the exercise group are asked to perform 15-minute sessions three times daily starting on postoperative day one and continuing until bowel function returns. Investigators will compare time to return of bowel function and clinical recovery between groups, and eligibility excludes patients needing prolonged ICU care or with cognitive or physical limitations that prevent participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this low-cost approach could help patients recover bowel function faster and shorten hospital stays.
How similar studies have gone: Some research supports early mobilization and physiotherapy to reduce postoperative ileus, but specifically testing brief, nurse-delivered bed exercise programs in this population is limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Male or female patients aged \>/=18 years, * patients who are diagnosed with colorectal problems that require elective colorectal surgical intervention either anastomosis or stoma, either open or laparoscopic, and the use of any type of postoperative analgesic, * orientate to have informed consent and who have signed informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Patients who are not in the list of elective colorectal surgeries * Patients who require intraoperative and long postoperative intensive care \>1 day, * with a history of mental disorder or confusion, * patients with any active limitation which affects adherence to the study procedures like severe dementia and physical limitation.
Where it's running
-
United Christian Hospital
Hong Kong, Hong Kong Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Sin Kwan Siu, Doctoral
- Email: u3596437@connect.hku.hk
- Phone: 852+68740563
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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.