When to start rehab after unilateral biportal endoscopic surgery for a lumbar disc herniation
The Influence of the Timing of Postoperative Rehabilitation Intervention on the Clinical
This test will see if starting rehabilitation two weeks versus six weeks after unilateral biportal endoscopic spine surgery helps adults with lumbar disc herniation recover better.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 72 (estimated) |
| Ages | 19 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Beijing Friendship Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Beijing, Beijing Municipality) |
| Trial ID | NCT07161232 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a prospective randomized controlled trial enrolling 72 patients who undergo unilateral biportal endoscopic (UBE) surgery for lumbar disc herniation and randomizing them to begin a standardized postoperative rehabilitation program at either two weeks or six weeks after surgery. Clinical exams and patient-reported questionnaires are collected before surgery, after surgery, and during follow-up visits up to 12 months to compare pain, function, and recovery trajectories. The protocol uses a standardized rehabilitation program delivered at the hospital and compares outcomes between the early and late intervention groups. The goal is to provide evidence on optimal timing of postoperative rehabilitation for patients treated with UBE.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 19–65 with imaging-confirmed lumbar disc herniation, radicular leg pain of less than one year, scheduled for UBE surgery, physically able to exercise, able to complete Chinese questionnaires, and willing to consent are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with prior spinal surgery, other major spinal pathology, uncontrolled cardiovascular/respiratory disease, major neurological or psychiatric disorders, pregnancy or lactation, or those unable to participate in or comply with rehabilitation are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the results could identify an optimal timing for rehabilitation that speeds recovery, reduces pain, and improves function after UBE surgery.
How similar studies have performed: Timing-of-rehabilitation research after lumbar surgery has produced mixed results and timing specifically after UBE is not well established, so the approach has some precedent but is not definitively proven.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Aged between 19 and 65 years. Diagnosed with lumbar disc herniation by imaging and scheduled for unilateral biportal endoscopic (UBE) surgery. Presenting with radicular pain in the lower extremity, with a history of less than 1 year. Able to understand Chinese and complete questionnaires independently. Physically capable of participating in exercise rehabilitation. Willing to participate and provide written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Aged under 18 or over 65 years. Combined with other spinal pathologies (e.g., ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, spinal tumor, spinal fracture, cauda equina syndrome). Diagnosis of neurological disorders (e.g., multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease). Presence of uncontrolled cardiovascular, respiratory, or peripheral vascular diseases. History of severe psychiatric disorders (e.g., schizophrenia). Previous history of spinal surgery. Pregnancy or lactation. Inability to understand or comply with the study procedures.
Where this trial is running
Beijing, Beijing Municipality
- Beijing Friendship Hospital — Beijing, Beijing Municipality, China (Recruiting)
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.