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

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. 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.

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

Conditions

• Lumbar Disc Herniation
• Low Back Pain
• Postoperative Rehabilitation

Interventions

OTHER

Early Mobilization Program

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.

DEVICE

Electrical Stimulation (NMES/TENS)

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.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Istanbul Medipol University Hospital

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

65 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2026-05-10

Primary Completion

2026-06-10

Completion

2026-07-30