Clinical Research Directory

Aerobic Exercise and Guided Imagery in Low Anterior Resection Syndrome

Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS) is a common complication after sphincter-preserving rectal cancer surgery and may negatively affect bowel function and quality of life. Although exercise has been shown to improve physical function and well-being in cancer survivors, evidence regarding its effects on LARS symptoms remains limited. This randomized controlled, multicenter study aims to evaluate the effects of an aerobic exercise program combined with guided imagery on bowel symptoms, quality of life, physical activity level, functional capacity, and psychological well-being in patients with LARS after rectal cancer surgery. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group receiving aerobic exercise and guided imagery in addition to standard care or a control group receiving standard care alone. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and after the intervention period using validated clinical and patient-reported outcome measures. The findings of this study may contribute to the development of evidence-based rehabilitation strategies for improving bowel function and quality of life in patients with LARS following rectal cancer surgery.

TECAR in the Management of Early Postpartum Perineal Pain.

The study aimed to evaluate the effect of TECAR (Capacitive and Resistive Energy Transfer) therapy on the level of pain and discomfort in the pelvic floor in women after an episiotomy or perineal tears, during the first two days after a vaginal delivery and during the postpartum period. The primary outcome of this study was the change in pain level at rest, sitting, and walking measured at baseline, after each intervention, and weekly during the postpartum period, and compared across the INT, SHAM, and CON groups. The secondary outcomes were: * changes in perineal discomfort in sitting and walking, assessed at baseline, after each intervention, and weekly during the postpartum period, compared between the study groups; * doses of paracetamol and ibuprofen administered in the first days after childbirth and in the subsequent weeks of the postpartum period, compared between the study groups; * changes in ISI scores assessed at baseline and at the 6-8 week follow-up, compared between the study groups; * changes in pelvic floor muscle function, assessed at baseline and at the 6-8 week follow-up, compared between the study groups. The study was conducted among patients of the University Clinical Center Obstetrics Clinic. Overall 180 patients were included in the study (60 women in the study group, 60 in the control group, and 60 in the sham group). The study was conducted using a double-blind method. Women in the study group received therapy on the 1st and 2nd postpartum day using the Winback BACK 1S device, which emits radiofrequency waves. The treatment time was about 20 minutes. In the sham group, the same study protocol was carried out, but the device was in pause mode, so the patients did not know which group they belonged to throughout the trial. In the control group, recruited separatelt, there was no intervention and only an initial assessment of the pelvic floor and perineal pain. Pain and discomfort at rest, sitting, and walking were assessed before the intervention and two consecutive days after. In addition, a follow-up assessment 6-8 weeks after delivery was performed.

Physical Therapy for Men Undergoing Prostatectomy

The purpose of this study is to determine if pelvic floor muscle training with a physical therapist before and after surgery will improve health-related quality of life following robot-assisted radical prostatectomy.