Lumbar MicrodiscectomyNCT07382830
Effectiveness of a Visual Feedback Exercise Program Following Lumbar Surgery
A study testing Exercise in people with Lumbar Microdiscectomy and Postoperative Rehabilitation, run by Suleyman Demirel University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of stabilization exercises performed with visual feedback guided by a laser pointer after lumbar microdiscectomy surgery with that of standard stabilization exercises. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 65 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Lumbar Microdiscectomy, Postoperative Rehabilitation, Randomized Controlled Trial
- What is being tested?
- Exercise
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 42 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 16 Jan 2026to 30 Jun 2028
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 65 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- To be between 18 and 65 years of age
- Patients who underwent lumbar microdiscectomy surgery
- Individuals who are literate in Turkish
Who cannot join
- 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
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
Antalya Provincal Health Directorate Antalya Training and Research Hospital
Antalya
Cezmi Türk, Dr, +90 533 234 25 93, cezmicagri.turk@sbu.edu.tr
About this study
Official title: Efficacy of Laser Pointer-Guided Visual Feedback Stabilization Exercise Program After Lumbar Microdiscectomy Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial
The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of stabilization exercises performed with visual feedback guided by a laser pointer after lumbar microdiscectomy surgery with that of standard stabilization exercises. The study, planned as a randomized controlled trial, will include 42 individuals aged 18-65 who have undergone lumbar microdiscectomy. Participants will be divided into two groups: a control group and a laser-guided exercise group. Both groups will undergo supervised stabilization exercises 3 days a week for 8 weeks, starting from the 6th postoperative week. The outcome measures were defined as pain, disability, back awareness, trunk muscle endurance, reaction time, balance, function, and lumbar proprioception. The findings are expected to demonstrate the effectiveness of visual feedback-assisted stabilization exercises in postoperative rehabilitation and contribute to clinical practice.
Read the detailed description
This study is a randomized controlled trial designed to compare the effects of stabilization exercises performed with laser-guided visual feedback and conventional stabilization exercises in individuals who have undergone lumbar microdiscectomy surgery. A total of 42 participants aged 18-65 years who have undergone lumbar microdiscectomy will be included in the study. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a control group or a laser-guided exercise group. Both groups will receive supervised stabilization exercise programs three times per week for eight weeks, starting from the sixth postoperative week. The exercise content will be similar in both groups, with the laser-guided group receiving additional visual feedback during exercises. Outcome measures will be assessed at baseline and after completion of the intervention. Assessments will include pain, disability, back awareness, trunk muscle endurance, reaction time, balance, functional performance, and lumbar proprioception. The results of this study are expected to contribute to evidence-based postoperative rehabilitation approaches following lumbar microdiscectomy.
- Being tested
- Exercise, Control
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
ExerciseOther
Also called Laser-Guided Supervised Exercise
Participants undergo supervised stabilization exercises for a total of 24 sessions over 8 weeks, starting 6 weeks after lumbar microdiscectomy surgery, 3 days a week. The exercises will be performed with visual feedback provided by a laser pointer placed on the lumbar region. Participants will be asked to keep the laser pointer fixed on a designated point or line on the reference diagram in front of them during the exercises. The program includes posterior pelvic tilt, partial sit-ups, bird-dog, abdominal bracing in the supine position (progression with limb movements), straight and side planks, bridge building, pelvic floor, and diaphragmatic breathing exercises. Repetitive exercises will be performed in 3 sets of 10 repetitions, while plank exercises will initially be performed in 3 repetitions of 15-30 seconds, with progression based on the individual's performance and weeks. All participants will be provided with a post-operative training program in video format.
ControlOther
Also called Control Group
Starting 6 weeks after surgery, a supervised stabilization exercise program consisting of 24 sessions over 8 weeks, 3 days a week, will be implemented. The same exercises as in the laser group will be performed, but without the use of visual feedback. All participants will be provided with a post-operative training program in video format.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Laser-Guided Exercise Group | Experimental | Participants received a supervised stabilization exercise program guided by visual feedback using a laser pointer, in addition to standard postoperative care following lumbar microdiscectomy surgery. Receives: Other: Exercise |
| Control Group | Active comparator | Participants received a supervised stabilization exercise program without standard postoperative care, back training, or visual feedback following lumbar microdiscectomy surgery. Receives: Other: Control |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Pain Assessment
It will be assessed using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS).
Measured: All primary and secondary outcomes will be assessed at baseline (postoperative week 6) and post-intervention (postoperative week 14).
Disability Assessment
It will be measured using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI).
Measured: All primary and secondary outcomes will be assessed at baseline (postoperative week 6) and post-intervention (postoperative week 14).
Lumbar Proprioception Assessment
It will be measured using a smartphone-based inclinometer application.
Measured: All primary and secondary outcomes will be assessed at baseline (postoperative week 6) and post-intervention (postoperative week 14).
Back Awareness Assessment
It will be assessed using the Fremantle Back Awareness Questionnaire.
Measured: All primary and secondary outcomes will be assessed at baseline (postoperative week 6) and post-intervention (postoperative week 14).
Secondary outcomes (4)
Trunk Muscle Endurance Assessment
The McGill Endurance Tests will measure the endurance of the trunk flexor and lateral muscles.
Measured: All primary and secondary outcomes will be assessed at baseline (postoperative week 6) and post-intervention (postoperative week 14).
Lower Extremity Reaction Time Assessment
The motor response time to visual stimuli will be evaluated using the FITLIGHT® system.
Measured: All primary and secondary outcomes will be assessed at baseline (postoperative week 6) and post-intervention (postoperative week 14).
Balance Assessment
Static postural control will be measured using the one-leg stance test.
Measured: All primary and secondary outcomes will be assessed at baseline (postoperative week 6) and post-intervention (postoperative week 14).
Functional Performance Assessment
Functional mobility will be assessed using the timed up and go test.
Measured: All primary and secondary outcomes will be assessed at baseline (postoperative week 6) and post-intervention (postoperative week 14).
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted3 Feb 2026
- Study start16 Jan 2026
- Primary completion31 Mar 2028 (estimated)
- Study completion30 Jun 2028 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Lumbar MicrodiscectomyStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 42 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Suleyman Demirel University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, İsmet Tümtürk, Suleyman Demirel University
- Investigators
- İsmet Tümtürk, MSc, Study chair, Süleyman Demirel UniversityFerdi Başkurt, PhD, Study director, Süleyman Demirel UniversityCezmi Türk, Principal investigator, ANTALYA PROVINCAL HEALTH DIRECTORATE ANTALYA TRAINING AND RESEARCH HOSPITALFatih Özden, Principal investigator, Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07382830
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- Laser Pointer Exercise
- Status last verified
- Jan 2026
- First submitted
- 17 Jan 2026
- Last updated
- 3 Feb 2026
- Results posted
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 3 Feb 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Efficacy of Laser Pointer-Guided Visual Feedback Stabilization Exercise Program After Lumbar Microdiscectomy Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07382830
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- Laser Pointer Exercise
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 42 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Suleyman Demirel UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 16 Jan 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 31 Mar 2028 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 30 Jun 2028 (estimated)
- First posted
- 3 Feb 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of stabilization exercises performed with visual feedback guided by a laser pointer after lumbar microdiscectomy surgery with that of standard stabilization exercises. The study, planned as a randomized controlled trial, will include 42 individuals aged 18-65 who have undergone lumbar microdiscectomy. Participants will be divided into two groups: a control group and a laser-guided exercise group. Both groups will undergo supervised stabilization exercises 3 days a week for 8 weeks, starting from the 6th postoperative week. The outcome measures were defined as pain, disability, back awareness, trunk muscle endurance, reaction time, balance, function, and lumbar proprioception. The findings are expected to demonstrate the effectiveness of visual feedback-assisted stabilization exercises in postoperative rehabilitation and contribute to clinical practice.
Detailed description
This study is a randomized controlled trial designed to compare the effects of stabilization exercises performed with laser-guided visual feedback and conventional stabilization exercises in individuals who have undergone lumbar microdiscectomy surgery. A total of 42 participants aged 18-65 years who have undergone lumbar microdiscectomy will be included in the study. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a control group or a laser-guided exercise group. Both groups will receive supervised stabilization exercise programs three times per week for eight weeks, starting from the sixth postoperative week. The exercise content will be similar in both groups, with the laser-guided group receiving additional visual feedback during exercises. Outcome measures will be assessed at baseline and after completion of the intervention. Assessments will include pain, disability, back awareness, trunk muscle endurance, reaction time, balance, functional performance, and lumbar proprioception. The results of this study are expected to contribute to evidence-based postoperative rehabilitation approaches following lumbar microdiscectomy.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Laser-Guided Exercise Group | Experimental | Other: ExerciseParticipants received a supervised stabilization exercise program guided by visual feedback using a laser pointer, in addition to standard postoperative care following lumbar microdiscectomy surgery. |
| Control Group | Active comparator | Other: ControlParticipants received a supervised stabilization exercise program without standard postoperative care, back training, or visual feedback following lumbar microdiscectomy surgery. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- To be between 18 and 65 years of age
- Patients who underwent lumbar microdiscectomy surgery
- Individuals who are literate in Turkish
Key exclusion criteria (8 listed)
- 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
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| ExerciseAlso: Laser-Guided Supervised ExerciseParticipants undergo supervised stabilization exercises for a total of 24 sessions over 8 weeks, starting 6 weeks after lumbar microdiscectomy surgery, 3 days a week. The exercises will be performed with visual feedback provided by a laser pointer placed on the lumbar region. Participants will be asked to keep the laser pointer fixed on a designated point or line on the reference diagram in front of them during the exercises. The program includes posterior pelvic tilt, partial sit-ups, bird-dog, abdominal bracing in the supine position (progression with limb movements), straight and side planks, bridge building, pelvic floor, and diaphragmatic breathing exercises. Repetitive exercises will be performed in 3 sets of 10 repetitions, while plank exercises will initially be performed in 3 repetitions of 15-30 seconds, with progression based on the individual's performance and weeks. All participants will be provided with a post-operative training program in video format. | Other | Laser-Guided Exercise Group |
| ControlAlso: Control GroupStarting 6 weeks after surgery, a supervised stabilization exercise program consisting of 24 sessions over 8 weeks, 3 days a week, will be implemented. The same exercises as in the laser group will be performed, but without the use of visual feedback. All participants will be provided with a post-operative training program in video format. | Other | Control Group |
Primary outcome
Pain Assessment
Time frame: All primary and secondary outcomes will be assessed at baseline (postoperative week 6) and post-intervention (postoperative week 14).
It will be assessed using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS).
Disability Assessment
Time frame: All primary and secondary outcomes will be assessed at baseline (postoperative week 6) and post-intervention (postoperative week 14).
It will be measured using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI).
Lumbar Proprioception Assessment
Time frame: All primary and secondary outcomes will be assessed at baseline (postoperative week 6) and post-intervention (postoperative week 14).
It will be measured using a smartphone-based inclinometer application.
Back Awareness Assessment
Time frame: All primary and secondary outcomes will be assessed at baseline (postoperative week 6) and post-intervention (postoperative week 14).
It will be assessed using the Fremantle Back Awareness Questionnaire.
4 secondary outcomes
Trunk Muscle Endurance Assessment
Time frame: All primary and secondary outcomes will be assessed at baseline (postoperative week 6) and post-intervention (postoperative week 14).
Lower Extremity Reaction Time Assessment
Time frame: All primary and secondary outcomes will be assessed at baseline (postoperative week 6) and post-intervention (postoperative week 14).
Balance Assessment
Time frame: All primary and secondary outcomes will be assessed at baseline (postoperative week 6) and post-intervention (postoperative week 14).
Functional Performance Assessment
Time frame: All primary and secondary outcomes will be assessed at baseline (postoperative week 6) and post-intervention (postoperative week 14).
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 3 Feb 2026.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
İsmet Tümtürk, MSc study chair
Süleyman Demirel University
Ferdi Başkurt, PhD study director
Süleyman Demirel University
Cezmi Türk principal investigator
ANTALYA PROVINCAL HEALTH DIRECTORATE ANTALYA TRAINING AND RESEARCH HOSPITAL
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Exercise in people with Lumbar Microdiscectomy and Postoperative Rehabilitation, run by Suleyman Demirel University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 8 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 3 Feb 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact İsmet Tümtürk, MSc (+90 537 388 56 81, fztismet@gmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Pain Assessment (time frame: All primary and secondary outcomes will be assessed at baseline (postoperative week 6) and post-intervention (postoperative week 14).). The study lists 4 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 3 Feb 2026.