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

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

This study aims to develop an Internet-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy protocol for core muscle training, based on an understanding of factors impeding postoperative core muscle training in lumbar surgery patients. The protocol is designed to reconstruct patients' cognition, eliminate adverse behaviors, and promote healthy behaviors such as core muscle training among LDH patients. The ultimate objectives are to alleviate postoperative pain, enhance lumbar stability, and facilitate disease rehabilitation in patients following lumbar surgery.

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.