Comparison of usual surgical advice versus a non-aggravating six-month gym-based exercise rehabilitation program post lumbar discectomy: results at one-year follow-up

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93 lumbar discectomy patients were randomized to undergo either an exercise-based rehabilitation or receive standard rehabilitation advice post-surgery. The outcomes measured throughout the course of the rehabilitation period were pain levels, function levels, psychological well-being, time off work, medication levels, and number of doctor/therapist visits. Both groups of patients improved, but by the one year follow-up period there was no statistical difference in the improvements gained between the exercise-based rehabilitation group and the standard rehabilitation group. Although, the exercise-based rehabilitation group did require fewer days off work.