Efficacy of Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Back Muscle Strength Loss, Chronic Pain, and Poor Patient Recovery Perceptions After Lumbar Fusion

Launched by JIAWEI JIANG · Jun 18, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new online program called Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) designed to help people recover better after lumbar fusion surgery, which is a type of back surgery used to treat a slipped or herniated disc. The program focuses on teaching patients how to strengthen their core muscles—the muscles around the lower back and abdomen—by changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors that might make it harder to do exercises after surgery. The goal is to reduce pain, improve stability in the lower back, and support a smoother recovery.

To join the study, participants need to be between 18 and 55 years old and have a diagnosis of lumbar disc herniation requiring their first lumbar fusion surgery performed by the same surgical team. Participants should have access to WiFi at home since the therapy is delivered online. People with certain serious health conditions, like infections after surgery, severe heart or brain problems, or mental health disorders like schizophrenia, cannot take part. If you join, you’ll be asked to follow the online therapy program that encourages healthy exercise habits and helps change the way you think about your recovery. This trial is currently recruiting patients who meet these criteria.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • age between 18 and 55 years
• • diagnosis of lumbar disc herniation requiring single-level lumbar fusion surgery - no previous history of lumbar surgery
• • Surgical procedures performed by the same surgical team
• • willingness to comply with the study protocol and restrictions
• • availability of a home WiFi connection
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • lumbar surgery secondary to neoplasm, tuberculosis, infection, or inflammation
• • postoperative infection or revision surgery
• • presence of cauda equina syndrome
• • diagnosis of schizophrenia, cognitive impairment, or other psychiatric disorders
• • coexisting severe cardiovascular or cerebrovascular diseases, or congenital conditions precluding exercise participation.