The National Taiwan University Hospital has announced an innovative new clinical trial aimed at investigating the impact of combining Kegel exercises with biofeedback therapy on bowel function recovery, emotional distress, and quality of life for patients experiencing Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS) following rectal cancer surgery. As of November 29, 2025, the trial has not yet commenced recruitment.
In this article
- What is this trial about?
- What is Low Anterior Resection Syndrome?
- How do Kegel exercises and biofeedback therapy work?
- Key details of the clinical trial
What is this trial about?
This clinical trial explores the potential use of Kegel exercises combined with biofeedback therapy as an innovative behavioral approach to improve outcomes for patients recovering from low anterior resection (LAR), a common procedure for rectal cancer treatment. The study aims to assess the effectiveness of this therapeutic combination in addressing three key challenges: bowel function recovery, emotional distress, and quality of life.
Patients with rectal cancer often develop LARS, a debilitating condition that arises after undergoing LAR procedures. Severe cases of LARS can significantly reduce quality of life, highlighting the need for effective and noninvasive therapies to address these challenges.
What is Low Anterior Resection Syndrome?
Low Anterior Resection Syndrome, commonly referred to as LARS, is a cluster of symptoms that can follow surgical removal of rectal cancer. Patients often experience bowel irregularities such as increased frequency, urgency, and incontinence. These symptoms can persist over time and affect a patient’s emotional well-being and daily life.
The variability in symptoms and patient responses underscores the importance of exploring personalized interventions aimed at managing the condition effectively in post-surgical care.
How do Kegel exercises and biofeedback therapy work?
Kegel exercises: These exercises strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which play a critical role in bladder and bowel control. By improving musculature control, patients may experience better management of their symptoms.
Biofeedback therapy: This technique uses specialized equipment to provide real-time feedback on muscle activity. It enables patients to visualize and optimize their pelvic floor muscle function. When integrated with Kegel exercises, biofeedback therapy can support self-regulation and enhance treatment outcomes.
The combination of these two behavioral approaches has shown potential in improving pelvic health and overall well-being. This trial aims to provide critical data on their efficacy when applied specifically to LARS patients.
Key details of the clinical trial
The trial plans to compare two intervention groups:
- Patients undergoing Kegel exercises combined with biofeedback therapy.
- Patients practicing Kegel exercises only.
This study is sponsored by the National Taiwan University Hospital, a recognized leader in clinical research. As of now, recruitment has not yet begun. Interested parties are encouraged to monitor the trial’s progress through its official ClinicalTrials.gov page for updates on enrollment guidelines and eligibility criteria.
The trial provides a promising avenue for addressing a critical gap in post-surgical care for rectal cancer patients.
FAQs
1. What is the status of this clinical trial?
The trial is listed as “not yet recruiting” as of November 29, 2025.
2. Who is sponsoring the study?
The trial is sponsored by National Taiwan University Hospital.
3. Are there any eligibility requirements for participants?
Eligibility criteria will be detailed on the official ClinicalTrials.gov page as the study progresses.
Conclusion
This upcoming clinical trial presents a critical opportunity to advance care for individuals recovering from low anterior resection. The results could offer valuable insights into the potential of combining Kegel exercises with biofeedback therapy to address both physical and emotional dimensions of the recovery process. Stakeholders in clinical, quality, and regulatory teams should continue monitoring the study’s progress for further developments.
Disclaimer
The information provided here is intended for professionals. It does not constitute legal or medical advice. Refer to official study materials for specific guidance.
For full information about the announcement, see the link below.
https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07253298?term=medical+device