Outcomes
The outcome measurements will be assessed at baseline
(3 months postoperatively), at the end of the exercise
intervention period (15 months postoperatively), and
after a 1-year follow-up. Only primary outcome variables
will be used in the 27 months follow-up assessment.
Primary outcome variables
The intensity of back and lower limb pain during rest
and daily activities in the past week will be assessed by
means of the visual analogue scale (VAS) [41]. Disability
due to back pain during the past week will be assessed
by the Finnish version of the Oswestry Low Back Pain
Disability Questionnaire 2.0 [42]. Quality of life will be
evaluated by the Finnish version of the generic SF-36
Health Survey Questionnaire [43].