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
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
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)