RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Impact of Core Muscle Training on Incisional Hernia and Pain After Abdominal Surgery

This study is investigating if performing gentle core muscle exercises shortly after abdominal surgery can help prevent a common problem called an incisional hernia, and also reduce long-lasting pain. Currently, after abdominal surgery, patients are often advised to avoid strenuous activities to prevent hernias. However, there isn't strong evidence that this advice is always effective. In fact, too much rest might lead to weaker muscles and more pain. Researchers will compare patients who do these exercises with those who follow standard recovery advice, to see which approach is better for preventing hernias and reducing chronic pain after surgery.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Insel Gruppe AG, University Hospital Bern

Enrolment target

588

Start

20 May 2019

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2030

Hernia Incisional Exercise

What is this study about?

When you have surgery on your tummy (abdomen), there's a chance you could develop an incisional hernia afterwards. This is where a weak spot in the muscle allows part of your insides to push through, creating a bulge. To try and prevent this, people are usually told to limit their physical activity and avoid lifting heavy things for a few months after surgery. However, doctors are now wondering if this advice is actually helpful.

This study will look into whether doing gentle exercises for your tummy muscles (core muscles) soon after surgery could be a better approach. Scientists believe that being less active might actually make muscles weaker and could even lead to more long-term pain. By comparing different ways of recovering, they hope to find out if specific core exercises can help keep hernias away and reduce pain.

The main goal is to see if these exercises, or even keeping activity restricted, actually make a difference to whether a hernia develops. The study will also look at how these different recovery methods affect long-term pain and general muscle strength, which the doctors refer to as 'sarcopenia'.

Key takeaways

This study compares gentle core exercises to standard recovery after abdominal surgery.
The main aims are to see if exercises can prevent hernias and reduce long-term pain.
Current advice to limit activity after surgery is being questioned by this research.
Participants will either do specific exercises or follow usual recovery instructions.
Follow-up will include checks for hernias, pain assessment, and muscle measurements for two years.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be at least 18 years old and having abdominal surgery at one of the participating hospitals. This includes both planned and emergency operations, and it doesn't matter if your incision is in the middle or across your tummy.

There are certain reasons why you might not be able to participate. For example, if you have trouble understanding instructions or have certain long-term mental health conditions, or disorders that affect your muscles. Also, if you already suffer from long-term pain that requires strong painkillers or certain other medications, you might not be eligible.

Additionally, if you have a life-limiting illness or already have a mesh in your abdominal wall from a previous repair (except for a groin hernia repair), you wouldn't be able to take part. The study also cannot include the researchers themselves, their family members, or employees.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you having abdominal surgery at one of the listed hospitals?
Can you understand and follow instructions for the study?
Do you have any conditions that affect your muscles, or take strong painkillers for chronic pain?
Do you already have a mesh in your tummy from a previous surgery (not including groin hernias)?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to join this study, you will be randomly placed into one of two groups. One group will follow the standard recovery advice after surgery. The other group will perform four specific core muscle exercises every day for the first two months after your operation.

You will have follow-up appointments at two, twelve, and twenty-four months after your surgery. During these visits, doctors will examine you to check for hernias, which might include an ultrasound scan. They will also ask about any long-lasting pain you might be experiencing and how it's being managed. Your muscle mass will be checked using CT scans as well.

Potential risks and benefits

There are potential benefits to taking part in this study, such as potentially helping to develop better recovery practices after abdominal surgery, which could lead to fewer hernias and less long-term pain for future patients. For you personally, the specific exercise group might offer a path to a stronger core and potentially reduced pain. However, as with any medical study, there are potential risks, although these gentle exercises are not expected to cause harm. You always have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without explaining your reasons, and it will not affect your medical care.

Locations (5)

BundeswehrZentralkrankenhaus
Verified postcode
Koblenz, Germany· Recruiting
Kantonsspital Olten
Verified postcode
Olten, Switzerland· Terminated
University Hospital of Bern, Inselspital
Verified postcode
Bern, Switzerland· Recruiting
CHUV, University Hospital of Lausanne
Verified postcode
Lausanne, Switzerland· Recruiting
Bürgerspital Solothurn
Verified postcode
Solothurn, Switzerland· Withdrawn

Common questions

What is an incisional hernia?

It's a bulge that can appear near your surgery cut on your tummy, happening when a weak spot in the muscle allows tissue to push through.

Why is the study looking at core exercises?

Doctors want to see if doing gentle core exercises after surgery can help strengthen your muscles and prevent hernias, instead of just resting which might make muscles weaker.

Will I know which group I'm in?

Yes, you will know if you are in the group doing the exercises or the group following standard recovery advice.

What is 'chronic postsurgical pain'?

This is pain that continues for a long time after your surgery, which can really affect your daily life and wellbeing.

How long will the study follow me?

The study will follow your progress for two years after your surgery.

How to find out more

Guido Beldi, MD

guido.beldi@insel.ch 31 632 48 18 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.