Comparison of Early Postoperative Mobilization and Electrical Stimulation-Supported Rehabilitation on Functional Recovery After Lumbar Disc Herniation Surgery: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE

To compare early mobilization alone versus early mobilization combined with electrical stimulation on functional recovery, pain, and mobility after lumbar disc herniation surgery.

DESIGN

Prospective, two-arm, parallel-group randomized controlled trial.

METHODS

Sixty adults undergoing primary single-level lumbar discectomy were randomized to early mobilization alone (n=30) or early mobilization combined with NMES/TENS (n=30). Sessions were delivered three times weekly for 5 weeks. Outcomes included the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Timed Up and Go test (TUG), 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT), and Manual Muscle Testing (MMT).

RESULTS

Significant time × group interactions favored the combined group for ODI (F(1,58)=7.55, P=0.008, η²P=0.115), VAS (F(1,58)=74.53, P <0.001, η²P=0.562), TUG (F(1,58)=27.89, P <0.001, η²P=0.325), 10MWT (F(1,58)=26.71, P <0.001, η²P=0.315), and MMT (F(1,58)=15.33, P <0.001, η²P=0.209). The combined intervention produced greater improvements, especially in pain.

CONCLUSION

Adding electrical stimulation to early mobilization significantly enhances early functional recovery, reduces pain, and improves mobility and strength after lumbar disc herniation surgery. This low-cost adjunct can be readily integrated into routine rehabilitation.