Aerobic Exercise and Guided Imagery in Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (NCT07732894) | Clinical Trial Compass
RecruitingNot Applicable
Aerobic Exercise and Guided Imagery in Low Anterior Resection Syndrome
Turkey (Türkiye)50 participantsStarted 2025-12-30
Plain-language summary
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.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 65 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Upper-Middle-Lower Rectal Cancer
* Having undergone surgery with TMJ
* Having a protective ileostomy and a closed stoma
* Being tumor-free according to laboratory reports (carcinoembryonic antigen), endoscopic findings, and abdominal ultrasonography and/or computed tomography data
* Having at least minor LARS scores ("between 21" and "42") according to the -LARS scoring questionnaire
* Having the ability to perform voluntary perineal traction contractions with perineal palpation
* Being a volunteer with informed consent
Exclusion Criteria:
* History of incontinence or defecation disorder not related to rectal cancer
* Having another type of surgery for rectal cancer (Hartmann procedure, abdominoperineal excision, transanal endoscopic microsurgical resection, or sigmoid resection)
* Deterioration in general health, neurological disease and/or physical disability
* BMI \> 30 kg/m2 (obese individuals)
* Inability to answer questions or make interventions due to mental disorder
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Low Anterior Resection Sydrome scoring system
Timeframe: "From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks"
2
European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Core Quality of Life Questionnaire-30
Timeframe: 8 weeks from beginning the study
3
European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Core Quality of Life Questionnaire-29