Investigation of the Effectiveness of Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization Exercises After Lumbar Disc Herniation Surgery

Investigation of the Effect of Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization on Pain, Functionality and Kinesiophobia in Individuals Undergoing Lumbar Disc Herniation Surgery

The aim of the study is to investigate the effects of dynamic neuromuscular stabilization exercises on pain, functionality and fear in individuals who have undergone lumbar disc herniation surgery.

The research was planned as a randomized controlled trial, which is a quantitative study. Participants will be divided into 2 groups as control and exercise groups by simple randomization method. The individuals in the control group of the study will not be given any exercise program after surgery. A home exercise program created with Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization exercises after surgery will be applied to the individuals in the intervention group. Data collection will be carried out through an online survey. The scales and forms to be used before and after the treatment are respectively: 1. Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire 2. International Physical Activity Questionnaire (Short Form) 3. Questionnaire for Fear of Daily Living Activities The questionnaires will be uploaded to the Google Forms database and the participants will be accessed via e-mail or mobile phone applications. . They will be asked to fill out the questionnaires before starting the post-surgical exercise program and the exercise program will be explained practically before discharge. The exercises will be planned 3 times a week and for 8 weeks.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Had symptomatic lumbar disc herniation confirmed via MRI requiring surgical intervention.
• Were 35-50 years old and in a stable postoperative condition.
• Could follow written and verbal instructions and had access to internet-connected devices for virtual monitoring.
• Provided informed consent for participation in the study.

Exclusion Criteria

Participants were excluded if they:

• Had undergone previous spinal surgery or had other spinal conditions such as spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis, or instability unrelated to the current lumbar disc herniation.
• Presented with significant musculoskeletal disorders unrelated to lumbar disc herniation (e.g., severe osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia
• Had diagnosed neurological, rheumatological, or systemic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or multiple sclerosis.
• Experienced functional impairments due to conditions like severe cardiovascular disease or uncontrolled diabetes.
• Reported cognitive, psychological, or mental health issues that could interfere with adherence to the protocol.
• Had medical contraindications to active exercise (e.g., recent myocardial infarction or uncontrolled hypertension
• Demonstrated unwillingness or inability to adhere to the prescribed exercise regimen.