The Effects of Kegel Exercise Combined With Biofeedback Therapy on Bowel Function Recovery, Emotional Distress, and Quality of Life in Patients Following Low Anterior Resection for Rectal Cancer

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effects of combining Kegel exercise with a single biofeedback session on bowel function, emotional distress, and quality of life in patients who have undergone low anterior resection (LAR) for rectal cancer. Low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) is a common postoperative complication following LAR, characterized by increased stool frequency, urgency, and incontinence, which can significantly impair patients' psychological well-being and daily quality of life. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: (1) Kegel exercise combined with one non-invasive biofeedback session, or (2) Kegel exercise alone. Both groups will perform home-based Kegel exercises for eight weeks. The study aims to determine whether the combined biofeedback and Kegel exercise intervention results in greater improvements in bowel control, emotional well-being, and quality of life compared with Kegel exercise alone.

NCT Number	NCT07253298
Lead Sponsor	National Taiwan University Hospital
Conditions	Rectal Cancer, Low Anterior Resection Syndrome, LARS - Low Anterior Resection Syndrome
Enrollment	66 participants
Start Date	2026-01-05
Primary Completion	2026-12-31 (estimated)
Study Completion	2027-01-31 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2026-05-11