Pilot Trial of Abdominal Core Rehabilitation To Improve Outcomes After Ventral Hernia Repair

Pilot Trial of Abdominal Core Rehabilitation To Improve Outcomes After Ventral Hernia Repair

This study aims to evaluate the potential role of physical therapy in improving outcomes after ventral hernia repair.

After being informed about the study and potential risks, all patients giving written informed consent will perform assessments of several activities of daily living and complete several surveys detailing their pre-surgical abilities, quality of life, and pain. Immediately after their surgical procedure, patients will be randomized in a single-blind manner (investigator) in a 1:1 ratio to supervised physical therapy (8 weeks, twice weekly) or standard post-surgical precautions. Assessments and surveys will be repeated by the blinded investigator at 30 days, 10 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year after surgery.

Inclusion Criteria

• Ages 18+
• Diagnosis of ventral hernia
• Scheduled for elective ventral hernia repair
• Independent functional status
• Transverse hernia width of 2cm or greater

Exclusion Criteria

• Previously diagnosed movement or balance disorder
• Use of ambulatory assistive device (walker or cane)
• Not currently undergoing or planning to undergo physical therapy or other skilled exercise intervention supervised by a medical rehabilitation professional