Rehabilitation Exercise Against Complications in High-risk Elderly After Lumbar Fusion(REACH)

All subjects independently completed the training program postoperatively. During follow-up, two physical therapists were responsible for arranging and designing the training sessions for the next phase. The therapists possessed equivalent levels of clinical experience. Based on clinical experience, scientific knowledge, and personal conviction, the therapists were confident that they provided the best treatment plan for the patients. To ensure consistency in treatment implementation throughout the study, fidelity checks were conducted at the end of each treatment session and course, in accordance with the cognitive-behavioral therapy and exercise training implementation manual. After enrollment, patients did not receive other treatments (such as physical therapy or nerve block), and the use of major pharmacological agents was prohibited, except for the allowance of mild analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.