Effectiveness of a Visual Feedback Exercise Program Following Lumbar Surgery

January 25, 2026 updated by: İsmet Tümtürk, Suleyman Demirel University

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.

Study Overview

Status

Status

Indicates the current recruitment status or the expanded access status.
Recruiting

Conditions

Conditions

The disease, disorder, syndrome, illness, or injury that is being studied. On ClinicalTrials.gov, conditions may also include other health-related issues, such as lifespan, quality of life, and health risks.

Intervention / Treatment

Intervention / Treatment

A process or action that is the focus of a clinical study. Interventions include drugs, medical devices, procedures, vaccines, and other products that are either investigational or already available. Interventions can also include noninvasive approaches, such as education or modifying diet and exercise.

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 Type

Study Type

Describes the nature of a clinical study. Study types include interventional studies (also called clinical trials), observational studies (including patient registries), and expanded access.
Interventional

Enrollment (Estimated)

Enrollment

The number of participants in a clinical study. The "anticipated" enrollment is the target number of participants that the researchers need for the study.
42

Phase

Phase

The stage of a clinical trial studying a drug or biological product, based on definitions developed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The phase is based on the study's objective, the number of participants, and other characteristics. There are five phases: Early Phase 1 (formerly listed as Phase 0), Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3, and Phase 4. Not Applicable is used to describe trials without FDA-defined phases, including trials of devices or behavioral interventions.
  • Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Contact

Study Contact

The name and contact information for the person who can answer enrollment questions for a clinical study. Each location where the study is being conducted may also have a specific contact, who may be better able to answer those questions.

Study Locations

  • Turkey (Türkiye)
      • Antalya, Turkey (Türkiye)
        • Recruiting
        • Antalya Provincal Health Directorate Antalya Training and Research Hospital
        • Contact:

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

The key requirements that people who want to participate in a clinical study must meet or the characteristics they must have. Eligibility criteria consist of both inclusion criteria (which are required for a person to participate in the study) and exclusion criteria (which prevent a person from participating). Types of eligibility criteria include whether a study accepts healthy volunteers, has age or age group requirements, or is limited by sex.

Ages Eligible for Study

  • Adult
  • Older Adult

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • To be between 18 and 65 years of age
  • Patients who underwent lumbar microdiscectomy surgery
  • Individuals who are literate in Turkish

Exclusion Criteria:

  • 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

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

  • Primary Purpose: Treatment
  • Allocation: Randomized
  • Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
  • Masking: None (Open Label)

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm

Participant Group / Arm

A group or subgroup of participants in a clinical trial that receives a specific intervention/treatment, or no intervention, according to the trial's protocol.
Intervention / Treatment

Intervention / Treatment

A process or action that is the focus of a clinical study. Interventions include drugs, medical devices, procedures, vaccines, and other products that are either investigational or already available. Interventions can also include noninvasive approaches, such as education or modifying diet and exercise.
Experimental: Laser-Guided Exercise Group
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.
Other: 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.
Other Names:
  • Laser-Guided Supervised Exercise
Active Comparator: Control Group
Participants received a supervised stabilization exercise program without standard postoperative care, back training, or visual feedback following lumbar microdiscectomy surgery.
Other: Control
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.
Other Names:
  • Control Group

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Primary Outcome Measures

In a clinical study's protocol, the planned outcome measure that is the most important for evaluating the effect of an intervention/treatment. Most clinical studies have one primary outcome measure, but some have more than one.
Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
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).
All primary and secondary outcomes will be assessed at baseline (postoperative week 6) and post-intervention (postoperative week 14).
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).
All primary and secondary outcomes will be assessed at baseline (postoperative week 6) and post-intervention (postoperative week 14).
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.
All primary and secondary outcomes will be assessed at baseline (postoperative week 6) and post-intervention (postoperative week 14).
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.
All primary and secondary outcomes will be assessed at baseline (postoperative week 6) and post-intervention (postoperative week 14).

Secondary Outcome Measures

Secondary Outcome Measures

In a clinical study's protocol, a planned outcome measure that is not as important as the primary outcome measure for evaluating the effect of an intervention but is still of interest. Most clinical studies have more than one secondary outcome measure.
Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
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).
The McGill Endurance Tests will measure the endurance of the trunk flexor and lateral muscles.
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).
The motor response time to visual stimuli will be evaluated using the FITLIGHT® system.
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).
Static postural control will be measured using the one-leg stance test.
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).
Functional mobility will be assessed using the timed up and go test.
All primary and secondary outcomes will be assessed at baseline (postoperative week 6) and post-intervention (postoperative week 14).

Other Outcome Measures

Other Outcome Measures

For clinical trials, a planned measurement described in the protocol that is used to determine the effect of an intervention/treatment on participants. For observational studies, a measurement or observation that is used to describe patterns of diseases or traits, or associations with exposures, risk factors, or treatment. Types of outcome measures include primary outcome measure and secondary outcome measure.
Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Level of compliance with educational recommendations
Time Frame: Postoperative week 6
Participants' level of compliance with the back training and daily life recommendations provided to them during the postoperative period will be assessed using a self-report form.
Postoperative week 6
Additional interventions
Time Frame: Up to 8 weeks
Participants will be asked whether they are receiving any other physical therapy, exercise program, or conservative treatment, and this information will be recorded.
Up to 8 weeks
Adverse event and adverse reaction monitoring
Time Frame: Up to 8 weeks
Any increase in pain, musculoskeletal complaints, or other potential adverse events that may occur during the exercise will be questioned and recorded during the sessions. Intervention will be terminated if necessary.
Up to 8 weeks
Drop-out and withdrawal reasons
Time Frame: Up to 8 weeks
The reasons for participants leaving the study (lack of motivation, health issues, incompatibility, etc.) will be documented and reported in the analyses.
Up to 8 weeks
Adherence to exercise sessions
Time Frame: Post-intervention (postoperative week 14)
The therapist will record participants' level of attendance at exercise sessions. Attendance at at least 80% of total sessions will be considered sufficient exercise compliance.
Post-intervention (postoperative week 14)
Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics
Time Frame: Post-operative day 1
Gender
Post-operative day 1
Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics
Time Frame: Post-operative day 1
Age (years)
Post-operative day 1
Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics
Time Frame: Post-operative day 1
Body mass index (kg/m2)
Post-operative day 1

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

Sponsor

The organization or person who initiates the study and who has authority and control over the study.
Suleyman Demirel University

Investigators

Investigators

A researcher involved in a clinical study. Related terms include site principal investigator, site sub-investigator, study chair, study director, and study principal investigator.
  • Study Chair: İsmet Tümtürk, MSc, Suleyman Demirel University
  • Study Director: Ferdi Başkurt, PhD, Suleyman Demirel University
  • Principal Investigator: Cezmi Türk, Antalya Provincal Health Directorate Antalya Training and Research Hospital
  • Principal Investigator: Fatih Özden, Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Actual)

Study Start

The actual date on which the first participant was enrolled in a clinical study. The "anticipated" study start date is the date that the researchers think will be the study start date.
January 16, 2026

Primary Completion (Estimated)

Primary Completion

The date on which the last participant in a clinical study was examined or received an intervention to collect final data for the primary outcome measure. Whether the clinical study ended according to the protocol or was terminated does not affect this date. For clinical studies with more than one primary outcome measure with different completion dates, this term refers to the date on which data collection is completed for all the primary outcome measures. The "anticipated" primary completion date is the date that the researchers think will be the primary completion date for the study.
March 31, 2028

Study Completion (Estimated)

Study Completion

The date on which the last participant in a clinical study was examined or received an intervention/treatment to collect final data for the primary outcome measures, secondary outcome measures, and adverse events (that is, the last participant's last visit). The "anticipated" study completion date is the date that the researchers think will be the study completion date.
June 30, 2028

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

First Submitted

The date on which the study sponsor or investigator first submitted a study record to ClinicalTrials.gov. There is typically a delay of a few days between the first submitted date and the record's availability on ClinicalTrials.gov (the first posted date).
January 17, 2026

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

The date on which the study sponsor or investigator first submits a study record that is consistent with National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review criteria. The sponsor or investigator may need to revise and submit a study record one or more times before NLM's QC review criteria are met. It is the responsibility of the sponsor or investigator to ensure that the study record is consistent with the NLM QC review criteria.
January 25, 2026

First Posted (Actual)

First Posted

The date on which the study record was first available on ClinicalTrials.gov after National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review has concluded. There is typically a delay of a few days between the date the study sponsor or investigator submitted the study record and the first posted date.
February 3, 2026

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

Last Update Posted

The most recent date on which changes to a study record were made available on ClinicalTrials.gov. There may be a delay between when the changes were submitted to ClinicalTrials.gov by the study's sponsor or investigator (the last update submitted date) and the last update posted date.
February 3, 2026

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

The most recent date on which the study sponsor or investigator submitted changes to a study record that are consistent with National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review criteria. It is the responsibility of the sponsor or investigator to ensure that the study record is consistent with the NLM QC review criteria.
January 25, 2026

Last Verified

Last Verified

The most recent date on which the study sponsor or investigator confirmed the information about a clinical study on ClinicalTrials.gov as accurate and current. If a study with a recruitment status of recruiting; not yet recruiting; or active, not recruiting has not been confirmed within the past 2 years, the study's recruitment status is shown as unknown.
January 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

Additional Relevant MeSH Terms

Other Study ID Numbers

Other Study ID Numbers

Identifiers or ID numbers other than the NCT number that are assigned to a clinical study by the study's sponsor, funders, or others. These numbers may include unique identifiers from other trial registries and National Institutes of Health grant numbers.
  • Laser Pointer Exercise

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

Cookie Settings

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. For more details carefully read our Privacy and Cookies Policy. ...>>>You can change your preferences or withdraw your consent at any time by deleting the cookies from your website or computer as described in the policy. Please accept it and choose your preferences by ticking the corresponding boxes in the "Manage Settings" section below. Please carefully read our Terms of Service before you proceed with using any part of this website.
«Manage Settings