0000000000756894

AUTHOR

Kimmo Vihtonen

Randomized controlled trial of postoperative exercise rehabilitation program after lumbar spine fusion: study protocol

Abstract Background Lumbar spine fusion (LSF) effectively decreases pain and disability in specific spinal disorders; however, the disability rate following surgery remains high. This, combined with the fact that in Western countries the number of LSF surgeries is increasing rapidly it is important to develop rehabilitation interventions that improve outcomes. Methods/design In the present RCT-study we aim to assess the effectiveness of a combined back-specific and aerobic exercise intervention for patients after LSF surgery. One hundred patients will be randomly allocated to a 12-month exercise intervention arm or a usual care arm. The exercise intervention will start three months after su…

research product

Quality of life and disability:can they be improved by active postoperative rehabilitation after spinal fusion surgery in patients with spondylolisthesis? A randomised controlled trial with 12-month follow-up

Purpose The aim of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of the postoperative 12-month exercise program compared to usual care on disability and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients after lumbar spine fusion surgery (LSF). Methods Altogether, 98 patients with isthmic (31) or degenerative (67) spondylolisthesis were randomised to exercise therapy group (EG) (n = 48) or usual care group (UCG) (n = 50) 3 months after LSF. EG patients had home-based progressive strength and aerobic training program for 12 months. UCG patients received only oral and written instructions of exercises. Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and HRQoL (RAND-36) were evaluated at the time of randomiz…

research product

Reoperation Rates Following Instrumented Lumbar Spine Fusion

Study Design. A prospective cohort study. Objective. This study evaluated the cumulative reoperation rate and indications for reoperation following instrumented lumbar spine fusion (LSF). Summary of Background Data. LSF reduces disability and improves health-related quality of life for patients with several spinal disorders. The rate of instrumented LSF has drastically increased over the last few decades. The increased incidence of LSF, however, has led to increased reoperation rates. Methods. The data are based on the prospective LSF database of Tampere University Hospital that includes all elective indications for LSF surgery. A total of 433 consecutive patients (64% women, mean age 62 ye…

research product

Effect of Obesity and Being Overweight on Disability and Pain After Lumbar Fusion: An Analysis of 805 Patients.

STUDY DESIGN Prospective follow-up study. OBJECTIVE To investigate the influence of obesity and being overweight on disability and pain of patients undergoing lumbar spinal fusion. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Although spinal fusion surgery has been shown to relieve symptoms in several spinal disorders, the influence of obesity on the results remains controversial. METHODS Since January 1, 2008, all patients undergoing lumbar fusion in two hospitals have been invited to participate in a prospective follow-up database. At the end of 2014, the preoperative and 1-year follow-up data of 805 patients were available. Disability was evaluated using the Oswestry Disability Index and back and leg pain…

research product

Randomized controlled trial of postoperative exercise rehabilitation program after lumbar spine fusion: study protocol

Abstract Background Lumbar spine fusion (LSF) effectively decreases pain and disability in specific spinal disorders; however, the disability rate following surgery remains high. This, combined with the fact that in Western countries the number of LSF surgeries is increasing rapidly it is important to develop rehabilitation interventions that improve outcomes. Methods/design In the present RCT-study we aim to assess the effectiveness of a combined back-specific and aerobic exercise intervention for patients after LSF surgery. One hundred patients will be randomly allocated to a 12-month exercise intervention arm or a usual care arm. The exercise intervention will start three months after su…

research product