Study of Core Muscle Exercises to Prevent Incisional Hernia and Reduce Pain After Abdominal Surgery

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the impact of core muscle training on the occurrence of incisional hernia, chronic postsurgical pain CPSP, and sarcopenia after abdominal surgery. The study addresses the common practice of limiting core muscle activity post-surgery to prevent hernias, despite no evidence supporting this approach. The trial will explore whether physical restriction or specific core muscle exercises before and after surgery influence the incidence of incisional hernias and the development of CPSP and sarcopenia. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. The control group will receive standard physiotherapy, which includes early mobilization and exercises to prevent complications, while limiting core muscle activity and weight bearing based on pain. The intervention group will perform four specific core muscle exercises daily during hospitalization under physiotherapist supervision and continue at home for two months, alongside standard physiotherapy. Follow-up visits will occur at two, twelve, and twenty-four months post-surgery. During the study, participants will undergo clinical examinations and ultrasound scans to detect incisional hernias, assessments of chronic postsurgical pain and its treatment, and evaluations of muscle mass using CT scans. Researchers will also monitor exercise activity, hospital stay length, readmission and re-operation rates, and the incidence of sarcopenia. The study period includes regular follow-ups for up to two years to track these outcomes and evaluate the effects of postoperative rehabilitation.

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