Rectal CancerBFT in LARSNCT07253298
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
A study testing Kegel Exercise with Biofeedback and Kegel Exercise Only in people with Rectal Cancer and Low Anterior Resection Syndrome, run by National Taiwan University Hospital at 1 site in Taiwan.
Trial summary
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. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and older
- Conditions the study is for
- Rectal Cancer, Low Anterior Resection Syndrome, LARS - Low Anterior Resection Syndrome
- What is being tested?
- Kegel Exercise with Biofeedback and Kegel Exercise Only
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 66 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTaiwan
- Study dates
- 5 Jan 2026to 31 Jan 2027
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 years and older
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Patients who have undergone their first low anterior resection (LAR) for rectal cancer, or LAR with temporary stoma reversal at least 4 weeks prior to enrollment.
- Age ≥ 18 years.
- Hemodynamically stable with stable vital signs.
- Conscious, able to communicate in Mandarin or Taiwanese, and capable of following verbal instructions to perform exercises.
Who cannot join
- Presence of a current intestinal stoma.
- Implanted cardiac pacemaker.
- Scheduled to receive postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy.
- History of psychiatric disorders (e.g., depression).
- Postoperative complications such as anastomotic leakage, intra-abdominal infection, or fistula formation.
- Unable to cooperate with or complete biofeedback training.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
About this study
Official title: Effects of Kegel Exercise Combined With a Single Biofeedback Intervention on Bowel Function, Emotional Distress, and Quality of Life in Patients After Rectal Cancer Surgery
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.
Read the detailed description
Background:
Patients who undergo low anterior resection (LAR) for rectal cancer often experience low anterior resection syndrome (LARS), characterized by frequent bowel movements, urgency, and incontinence. These symptoms can cause considerable psychological distress and impair daily functioning. Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT, commonly known as Kegel exercise) is a widely used bowel rehabilitation method; however, its effectiveness depends on patients' ability to perform the exercises correctly. Biofeedback therapy (BFT) provides real-time visual and auditory feedback to help patients better control pelvic floor muscle contractions and relaxations, thereby improving training precision.
Objective:
To examine whether combining a single biofeedback intervention with Kegel exercise produces greater improvements in bowel function, emotional distress, and quality of life than Kegel exercise alone in patients after low anterior resection for rectal cancer.
Methods:
This is a prospective randomized controlled trial (IRB No. 202502004RINB) to be conducted at National Taiwan University Hospital. A total of 66 eligible participants who have completed at least four weeks after LAR will be recruited. Participants will be randomized (1:1) into experimental and control groups using block randomization with block sizes of 4, 6, or 8.
The experimental group will receive one 30-minute session of non-invasive electromyographic biofeedback training to correct pelvic floor muscle contraction and relaxation techniques, followed by Kegel exercise instruction. The control group will receive only verbal instruction and demonstration of Kegel exercises without the use of biofeedback devices.
Both groups will continue home-based Kegel exercises for eight weeks, with a total follow-up period of twelve weeks. Assessments will be conducted at four time points: baseline (T0), 4 weeks (T1), 8 weeks (T2), and 12 weeks (T3).
Outcome Measures:
Primary outcome: Low Anterior Resection Syndrome Score (LARS Score). Secondary outcomes: Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), The World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment-BREF Taiwan version (WHOQOL-BREF Taiwan version).
Expected Results:
The experimental group (Kegel exercise combined with single-session biofeedback) is expected to demonstrate greater improvements in bowel function, reduced emotional distress, and enhanced quality of life compared with the Kegel-only group.
Significance:
This study aims to establish a low-cost, non-invasive, and feasible postoperative rehabilitation approach to enhance bowel recovery and improve the quality of life in patients after rectal cancer surgery.
- Being tested
- Kegel Exercise with Biofeedback, Kegel Exercise Only
- Keywords
- Kegel exercise, Biofeedback therapy, Bowel dysfunction, Emotional distress, Quality of life, Rectal cancer patients, Pelvic floor muscle training, Rehabilitation
- Medical subject headings
- Rectal Neoplasms, Low Anterior Resection Syndrome, Intestinal Diseases
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Kegel Exercise with BiofeedbackBehavioural
Also called Kegel Exercise with Biofeedback (Kegel + BFT)
A single 30-minute non-invasive EMG biofeedback session will guide participants to correctly contract and relax pelvic floor muscles using real-time visual and auditory feedback. Conducted by trained healthcare staff in the physical therapy center, with additional outpatient or ward instruction if needed. After the session, participants perform home-based Kegel exercises for 8 weeks (3-5 times/day, 6-8 contractions/set, hold 5-10 sec, relax 10 sec, ≥5 days/week). Research staff will follow up every 1-2 weeks by phone to monitor adherence and adjust intensity. If stable 5-sec contractions are achieved, duration or frequency may increase; if fatigue, abdominal pressure, or discomfort occurs, training will be reduced or paused for safety.
Kegel Exercise OnlyBehavioural
Also called Kegel Exercise
Participants in the control group will receive a single 30-minute session of verbal instruction and demonstration on Kegel exercise by trained medical personnel, without the use of any biofeedback device. The provider, setting, duration, exercise dosage, and follow-up schedule are identical to those in the experimental group.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Kegel Exercise with Biofeedback Therapy | Experimental | Not described Receives: Behavioral: Kegel Exercise with Biofeedback |
| Kegel Exercise Only | Active comparator | Not described Receives: Behavioral: Kegel Exercise Only |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change in Bowel Function Measured by the Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS) Score
Bowel function will be assessed using the validated Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS) score, which consists of five items evaluating incontinence, frequency, clustering, and urgency. The total score ranges from 0 to 42, with higher scores indicating more severe bowel dysfunction.
Measured: Baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks after intervention
Secondary outcomes (2)
Change in Emotional Distress Measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)
Emotional distress will be measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), which includes 14 items divided into two subscales: anxiety (HADS-A) and depression (HADS-D). Each subscale has a score range of 0-21, with higher scores indicating greater emotional distress.
Measured: Baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks after intervention
The World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF)
Quality of life will be assessed using the WHOQOL-BREF Taiwan version, a 28-item instrument developed by the WHOQOL Group and culturally adapted for use in Taiwan. The scale measures four major domains-Physical Health, Psychological Health, Social Relationships, and Environment-as well as two national items relevant to local culture. Scores in each domain are transformed to a 4-20 scale, with higher scores indicating better perceived quality of life.
Measured: Baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks after intervention
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted28 Nov 2025
- Study start5 Jan 2026
- Primary completion31 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion31 Jan 2027 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Rectal CancerStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by National Taiwan University HospitalThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- This study uses a two-arm parallel group design comparing Kegel exercise combined with a single biofeedback therapy versus Kegel exercise alone.
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 66 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- National Taiwan University Hospital
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07253298
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 202502004RINB
- Acronym
- BFT in LARS
- Status last verified
- May 2026
- First submitted
- 19 Nov 2025
- Last updated
- 11 May 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 11 May 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Kegel Exercise Combined With a Single Biofeedback Intervention on Bowel Function, Emotional Distress, and Quality of Life in Patients After Rectal Cancer Surgery
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07253298
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- BFT in LARS / 202502004RINB
- Keywords
- Kegel exercise, Biofeedback therapy, Bowel dysfunction, Emotional distress, Quality of life, Rectal cancer patients, Pelvic floor muscle training, Rehabilitation
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Enrolling by invitation
- Enrolment
- 66 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- National Taiwan University HospitalUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 5 Jan 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 31 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 31 Jan 2027 (estimated)
- First posted
- 28 Nov 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
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.
Detailed description
Background:
Patients who undergo low anterior resection (LAR) for rectal cancer often experience low anterior resection syndrome (LARS), characterized by frequent bowel movements, urgency, and incontinence. These symptoms can cause considerable psychological distress and impair daily functioning. Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT, commonly known as Kegel exercise) is a widely used bowel rehabilitation method; however, its effectiveness depends on patients' ability to perform the exercises correctly. Biofeedback therapy (BFT) provides real-time visual and auditory feedback to help patients better control pelvic floor muscle contractions and relaxations, thereby improving training precision.
Objective:
To examine whether combining a single biofeedback intervention with Kegel exercise produces greater improvements in bowel function, emotional distress, and quality of life than Kegel exercise alone in patients after low anterior resection for rectal cancer.
Methods:
This is a prospective randomized controlled trial (IRB No. 202502004RINB) to be conducted at National Taiwan University Hospital. A total of 66 eligible participants who have completed at least four weeks after LAR will be recruited. Participants will be randomized (1:1) into experimental and control groups using block randomization with block sizes of 4, 6, or 8.
The experimental group will receive one 30-minute session of non-invasive electromyographic biofeedback training to correct pelvic floor muscle contraction and relaxation techniques, followed by Kegel exercise instruction. The control group will receive only verbal instruction and demonstration of Kegel exercises without the use of biofeedback devices.
Both groups will continue home-based Kegel exercises for eight weeks, with a total follow-up period of twelve weeks. Assessments will be conducted at four time points: baseline (T0), 4 weeks (T1), 8 weeks (T2), and 12 weeks (T3).
Outcome Measures:
Primary outcome: Low Anterior Resection Syndrome Score (LARS Score). Secondary outcomes: Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), The World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment-BREF Taiwan version (WHOQOL-BREF Taiwan version).
Expected Results:
The experimental group (Kegel exercise combined with single-session biofeedback) is expected to demonstrate greater improvements in bowel function, reduced emotional distress, and enhanced quality of life compared with the Kegel-only group.
Significance:
This study aims to establish a low-cost, non-invasive, and feasible postoperative rehabilitation approach to enhance bowel recovery and improve the quality of life in patients after rectal cancer surgery.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- This study uses a two-arm parallel group design comparing Kegel exercise combined with a single biofeedback therapy versus Kegel exercise alone.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Kegel Exercise with Biofeedback Therapy | Experimental | Behavioral: Kegel Exercise with Biofeedback |
| Kegel Exercise Only | Active comparator | Behavioral: Kegel Exercise Only |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Patients who have undergone their first low anterior resection (LAR) for rectal cancer, or LAR with temporary stoma reversal at least 4 weeks prior to enrollment.
- Age ≥ 18 years.
- Hemodynamically stable with stable vital signs.
- Conscious, able to communicate in Mandarin or Taiwanese, and capable of following verbal instructions to perform exercises.
Key exclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Presence of a current intestinal stoma.
- Implanted cardiac pacemaker.
- Scheduled to receive postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy.
- History of psychiatric disorders (e.g., depression).
- Postoperative complications such as anastomotic leakage, intra-abdominal infection, or fistula formation.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Kegel Exercise with BiofeedbackAlso: Kegel Exercise with Biofeedback (Kegel + BFT)A single 30-minute non-invasive EMG biofeedback session will guide participants to correctly contract and relax pelvic floor muscles using real-time visual and auditory feedback. Conducted by trained healthcare staff in the physical therapy center, with additional outpatient or ward instruction if needed. After the session, participants perform home-based Kegel exercises for 8 weeks (3-5 times/day, 6-8 contractions/set, hold 5-10 sec, relax 10 sec, ≥5 days/week). Research staff will follow up every 1-2 weeks by phone to monitor adherence and adjust intensity. If stable 5-sec contractions are achieved, duration or frequency may increase; if fatigue, abdominal pressure, or discomfort occurs, training will be reduced or paused for safety. | Behavioural | Kegel Exercise with Biofeedback Therapy |
| Kegel Exercise OnlyAlso: Kegel ExerciseParticipants in the control group will receive a single 30-minute session of verbal instruction and demonstration on Kegel exercise by trained medical personnel, without the use of any biofeedback device. The provider, setting, duration, exercise dosage, and follow-up schedule are identical to those in the experimental group. | Behavioural | Kegel Exercise Only |
Primary outcome
Change in Bowel Function Measured by the Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS) Score
Time frame: Baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks after intervention
Bowel function will be assessed using the validated Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS) score, which consists of five items evaluating incontinence, frequency, clustering, and urgency. The total score ranges from 0 to 42, with higher scores indicating more severe bowel dysfunction.
2 secondary outcomes
Change in Emotional Distress Measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)
Time frame: Baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks after intervention
The World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF)
Time frame: Baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks after intervention
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 11 May 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Kegel Exercise with Biofeedback and Kegel Exercise Only in people with Rectal Cancer and Low Anterior Resection Syndrome, run by National Taiwan University Hospital at 1 site in Taiwan.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 6 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: enrolling by invitation, as of the sponsor's last update on 11 May 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Taiwan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change in Bowel Function Measured by the Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS) Score (time frame: Baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks after intervention). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 11 May 2026.