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Table 1 Components of the two intervention protocol used in the trial

From: PREPARE: Pre-surgery physiotherapy for patients with degenerative lumbar spine disorder: a randomized controlled trial protocol

Treatment components

Waiting list group

Pre-surgery physiotherapy group

1a. Specific movement and mobilisation

 - Mechanical loading strategies; repeated movements according to directional preference, mobilisation, and integration in a functional restoration program.

X

TBC

1b. Motor control exercise

 - Exercise focused on trunk and pelvic floor muscle activation and integration in a functional restoration program

X

TBC

1c. Traction

 - Manual Traction producing symptom reduction

X

TBC

2. Tailor-made general supervised exercise program

 - Individualised prescription (type of exercise and load) of aerobic, resistance, flexibility exercises with information documents and checklist for treatment, progression and dosage

X

3. Behavioral approach:

 - Goal setting (establishment and regular reviews)

 - Strategies to minimize barriers to goal attainment, for example education regarding; ergonomics, postural alignment, patho-anatomical/physiological explanation

 - Self-mediated home exercise and physical activities (logbook)

X

Advice regarding general physical activity recommendations

Education regarding surgery

Education regarding post-surgical rehabilitation

Pre-surgical re-evaluation

  1. Spinal surgery and post-surgery rehabilitation in both groups is performed according to existing clinical routine [5]
  2. component mandatory, X component not allowed, TBC treatment based classification component with modifications