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Lumbar Disc HerniationEMES-LDHNCT07575477

Comparison Of Early Mobilization And Electrical Stimulation On Functional Recovery After Lumbar Disc Herniation Surgery

A study testing Early Mobilization Program and Electrical Stimulation (NMES/TENS) in people with Lumbar Disc Herniation and Low Back Pain, run by Istanbul Medipol University Hospital at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effectiveness of early mobilization alone versus early mobilization combined with electrical stimulation on functional recovery following lumbar disc herniation surgery. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 65 years
What is being tested?
Early Mobilization Program and Electrical Stimulation (NMES/TENS)
Type of treatment
Medical device
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
60 participants
Where
1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
Study dates
30 Jun 2026to 30 Jul 2026
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

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

  • Age between 18 and 65 years
  • Patients who have undergone primary lumbar disc herniation surgery
  • Being in the early postoperative period (within the first 2 weeks after surgery)
  • Clinically stable condition
  • Ability to understand and follow instructions
  • Willingness to participate in the study and provide informed consent

Who cannot join

  • History of previous spinal surgery
  • Presence of severe neurological deficits (e.g., progressive motor loss, cauda equina syndrome)
  • Contraindications to electrical stimulation (e.g., pacemaker, implanted electronic devices)
  • Presence of severe systemic or uncontrolled chronic diseases (e.g., severe cardiovascular, respiratory, or metabolic disorders)
  • Cognitive impairment or inability to cooperate with rehabilitation program Pregnancy

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
  • Mehmet Salih Tan

    Istanbul

Other trials in Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Official title: Comparison Of Early Mobilization And Electrical Stimulation-Supported Rehabilitation On Functional Recovery, Pain Level, And Mobility After Lumbar Disc Herniation Surgery: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effectiveness of early mobilization alone versus early mobilization combined with electrical stimulation on functional recovery following lumbar disc herniation surgery. Lumbar disc herniation is a common cause of low back pain and functional limitation, significantly affecting quality of life.

Although surgical intervention is effective in patients who do not respond to conservative treatment, optimal postoperative recovery largely depends on appropriate rehabilitation strategies. Early mobilization is widely recommended to prevent complications, preserve muscle function, and facilitate return to daily activities. In addition, electrical stimulation modalities such as neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) have been increasingly integrated into rehabilitation programs to enhance pain control, muscle activation, and neuromuscular re-education.

Read more

In this study, a total of 60 participants who have undergone primary lumbar disc herniation surgery will be randomly assigned into two groups. The first group will receive an early mobilization program alone, while the second group will receive early mobilization combined with electrical stimulation (NMES/TENS). The intervention period will last 6 to 8 weeks, with sessions conducted three times per week.

Primary outcomes include functional disability measured by the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and pain intensity measured by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Secondary outcomes include functional mobility assessed by the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, walking speed assessed by the 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT), and muscle strength evaluated using manual muscle testing (MMT).

The findings of this study are expected to contribute to the development of evidence-based postoperative rehabilitation protocols and to clarify the clinical effectiveness of electrical stimulation in patients undergoing lumbar disc herniation surgery

Read the detailed description

Lumbar disc herniation is one of the most prevalent musculoskeletal conditions leading to low back pain, disability, and reduced functional capacity in adults. Surgical treatment is commonly indicated in patients with persistent symptoms or neurological deficits who do not respond to conservative management. Despite successful surgical intervention, postoperative recovery outcomes vary considerably and are highly influenced by rehabilitation strategies.

Early mobilization is considered a cornerstone of postoperative rehabilitation, as it reduces the risk of complications such as deep vein thrombosis, muscle atrophy, and joint stiffness. It also promotes faster recovery of functional independence and return to daily activities. However, early mobilization alone may not be sufficient to optimize neuromuscular recovery and pain management in all patients.

Electrical stimulation modalities, including neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), have been increasingly utilized in rehabilitation settings. NMES facilitates muscle activation and prevents disuse atrophy, while TENS is widely used for pain modulation through neurophysiological mechanisms such as gate control theory. These modalities may provide additional benefits when combined with conventional rehabilitation approaches.

However, there is a limited number of high-quality randomized controlled trials directly comparing early mobilization alone with electrical stimulation-supported rehabilitation in patients following lumbar disc herniation surgery. This gap in the literature highlights the need for well-designed clinical trials to guide evidence-based practice.

Study Design

This study is designed as a prospective, two-arm, parallel-group randomized controlled trial. Participants will be randomly allocated using a computer-generated randomization method into one of two groups:

Group 1: Early mobilization program Group 2: Early mobilization combined with electrical stimulation (NMES/TENS) Intervention Protocol Both groups will participate in a structured rehabilitation program conducted three times per week for 6-8 weeks. The early mobilization program will include gradual ambulation, posture training, range of motion exercises, and functional activity training.

In the intervention group, electrical stimulation will be applied to paraspinal and lower extremity muscle groups. The parameters of NMES and TENS will be adjusted based on patient tolerance and clinical indications.

Outcome Measures Assessments will be performed at baseline (pre-intervention) and after completion of the intervention program.

Primary Outcomes:

Functional disability: Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) Pain intensity: Visual Analog Scale (VAS)

Secondary Outcomes:

Functional mobility: Timed Up and Go (TUG) test Walking speed: 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT) Muscle strength: Manual Muscle Testing (MMT) Eligibility Criteria Participants aged between 18 and 65 years who have undergone primary lumbar disc herniation surgery and are in the early postoperative period (within the first 2 weeks) will be included. Patients with previous spinal surgery, severe neurological deficits, contraindications to electrical stimulation (e.g., pacemaker), or serious systemic diseases will be excluded.

Statistical Analysis Data will be analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics software. Normality will be assessed using the Shapiro-Wilk test. Between-group comparisons will be performed using independent samples t-test or Mann-Whitney U test, while within-group comparisons will be analyzed using paired samples t-test or Wilcoxon signed-rank test. A two-way repeated measures ANOVA will be used to evaluate group-by-time interactions. A p-value of less than 0.05 will be considered statistically significant.

Expected Outcomes and Significance This study aims to provide high-quality evidence regarding the comparative effectiveness of early mobilization and electrical stimulation-supported rehabilitation. The results are expected to support clinical decision-making, optimize postoperative rehabilitation protocols, and contribute to the advancement of evidence-based physiotherapy practices.

Being tested
Early Mobilization Program, Electrical Stimulation (NMES/TENS)
Keywords
Lumbar Surgery, Early Mobilization, Electrical Stimulation, Physiotherapy, Functional Recovery
Medical subject headings
Intervertebral Disc Displacement, Low Back Pain

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Early Mobilization ProgramOther

    A structured early mobilization program initiated in the early postoperative period following lumbar disc herniation surgery. The program includes gradual ambulation, posture training, range of motion exercises, and functional activity training. Sessions will be conducted three times per week for 6-8 weeks. The program is designed to improve functional recovery, mobility, and independence in daily activities.

  • Electrical Stimulation (NMES/TENS)Device

    Electrical stimulation will be applied as an adjunct to early mobilization in the postoperative rehabilitation of lumbar disc herniation. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) will be used to facilitate muscle activation and prevent muscle atrophy, while transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) will be used for pain modulation. Stimulation will be applied to paraspinal and lower extremity muscle groups according to patient tolerance and clinical indications. Sessions will be conducted three times per week for 6-8 weeks.

Study groups in NCT07575477
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Early MobilizationActive comparatorParticipants in this group will receive a structured early mobilization program following lumbar disc herniation surgery. The program will include gradual ambulation, posture training, range of motion exercises, and functional activity training. Sessions will be conducted three times per week for 6-8 weeks. No electrical stimulation will be applied in this group
Receives: Other: Early Mobilization Program
Early Mobilization + Electrical StimulationExperimentalParticipants in this group will receive the same early mobilization program combined with electrical stimulation (NMES and/or TENS). Electrical stimulation will be applied to paraspinal and lower extremity muscle groups based on patient tolerance and clinical indications. The rehabilitation program will be conducted three times per week for 6-8 weeks.
Receives: Other: Early Mobilization Program; Device: Electrical Stimulation (NMES/TENS)

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Oswestry Disability Index (ODI)

    The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) will be used to evaluate functional disability related to low back pain following lumbar disc herniation surgery. The questionnaire consists of 10 sections assessing activities of daily living including pain intensity, personal care, lifting, walking, sitting, standing, sleeping, social life, and traveling. Each section is scored from 0 to 5, and total scores are expressed as a percentage, with higher scores indicating greater disability.

    Measured: Baseline (pre-intervention) and 8 weeks post-intervention

  2. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for Pain

    Pain intensity will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), a 10 cm horizontal line ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain). Participants will mark their perceived pain level. The VAS is widely used for both acute and chronic pain assessment and is highly sensitive to clinical change.

    Measured: Baseline (pre-intervention) and 8 weeks post-intervention

Secondary outcomes (3)
  1. Timed Up and Go Test (TUG)

    The Timed Up and Go (TUG) test will be used to assess functional mobility and balance. Participants will rise from a standard chair, walk 3 meters, turn, return, and sit down. The time in seconds will be recorded, with lower times indicating better functional mobility.

    Measured: Baseline and 8 weeks post-intervention

  2. 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT)

    Walking speed will be evaluated using the 10-Meter Walk Test. Participants will walk a 10-meter distance at a comfortable pace, and time will be recorded. Walking speed (m/s) will be calculated, with higher values indicating better functional ambulation capacity.

    Measured: Baseline and 8 weeks post-intervention

  3. Manual Muscle Testing (MMT)

    Muscle strength will be assessed using Manual Muscle Testing (MMT), graded on a 0-5 scale. A score of 0 indicates no muscle contraction, while 5 indicates normal muscle strength. Key muscle groups of the lower extremity and paraspinal region will be evaluated.

    Measured: Baseline and 8 weeks post-intervention

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted8 May 2026
  2. Study start30 Jun 2026
  3. Primary completion10 Jul 2026
  4. Study completion30 Jul 2026

Resources

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
Model description
Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two parallel groups. The first group will receive an early mobilization program alone, while the second group will receive early mobilization combined with electrical stimulation (NMES/TENS). Both interventions will be applied over a period of 6-8 weeks, with sessions conducted three times per week. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and post-intervention.
Masking
Single blind
Who is masked
Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
60 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07575477
Sponsor's protocol ID
LDH-EMES-2026
Other IDs
Medipol-PT-2026-05
Acronym
EMES-LDH
Status last verified
May 2026
First submitted
3 May 2026
Last updated
28 Oct 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
Undecided: Individual participant data (IPD) sharing is currently not planned at the time of study registration. The data generated in this study are part of an academic thesis project and will primarily be used for scientific publication and dissertation purposes. Any potential future data sharing will depend on institutional policies, ethical committee regulations, and data protection requirements. If considered, de-identified aggregated datasets may be shared upon reasonable request after publication of the primary results, in accordance with applicable ethical and legal standards.

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Early Mobilization Program and Electrical Stimulation (NMES/TENS) in people with Lumbar Disc Herniation and Low Back Pain, run by Istanbul Medipol University Hospital 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 6 inclusion and 5 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: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 28 Oct 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?

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) (time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention) and 8 weeks post-intervention). The study lists 2 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 28 Oct 2026.

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