Nurse-Led Early Standing Exercise After Lumbar Fusion in Older Adults

This single-center, randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the effects of a nurse-led early standing active exercise program on postoperative functional recovery in older adults undergoing short-segment lumbar fusion. A total of 108 participants aged 65 years or older were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to an intervention group or a control group. Both groups received routine postoperative rehabilitation. The intervention group additionally received a nurse-led standing exercise program initiated 16-24 hours after surgery, following a clinical safety assessment, and continued daily until hospital discharge. The primary outcome was the six-minute walk distance, assessed before surgery and one day before discharge. Secondary outcomes included functional disability, pain intensity, and exercise adherence.