Aerobic Exercise and Guided Imagery in Low Anterior Resection Syndrome

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Exercise: structured walking exercise, at the clinic and outside from the clinic for at least 3 days /week

guided imagery: guided imagery for at least 3 days

Study 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.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Low Anterior Resection Sydrome scoring system — "From enrollment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks"
  It measures the intensity of low anterior resection syndrome. The score varies between "0" and "42". Higher scores indicates more severe symptoms.
• European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Core Quality of Life Questionnaire-30 — 8 weeks from beginning the study
  It measures the quality of life in cancer patients. The scores range from 0 to 100. For the Global Health Status and Functional Scales, higher scores indicate better health-related quality of life and functioning, whereas for the Symptom Scales, higher scores indicate greater symptom burden.
• European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Core Quality of Life Questionnaire-29 — 8 weeks
  It measures the quality of life in cancer patients. The EORTC QLQ-CR29 scores range from 0 to 100. Higher scores on the functional scales indicate better functioning, whereas higher scores on the symptom scales indicate greater symptom burden.
• 6 minutes walking test — 8 weeks
  It measures the aerobic capacity within 6 minutes. The 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) assesses functional exercise capacity by measuring the total distance walked in meters over six minutes. There is no maximum value. Higher distances indicate better functional exercise capacity.

Trial sites (1)

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