Comparison of Early Postoperative Mobilization and Electrical Stimulation-Supported Rehabilitation on Functional Recovery After Lumbar Disc Herniation Surgery

Abstract

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, η² P =0.115), VAS (F(1,58)=74.53, P <0.001, η² P =0.562), TUG (F(1,58)=27.89, P <0.001, η² P =0.325), 10MWT (F(1,58)=26.71, P <0.001, η² P =0.315), and MMT (F(1,58)=15.33, P <0.001, η² P =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.