Statistical analysis
pain
In the descriptive part, mean and standard deviation were determined for quantitative variables and absolute and relative frequency for qualitative variables. The groups were compared and matched in terms of contextual variables (age, gender, duration of symptoms, clinical condition, and BMI). In the inferential section, according to the type and distribution of data using Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests, appropriate statistical methods were selected in terms of parametric or non-parametric nature. Wilcoxon test was used for pairwise comparisons of patients’ conditions at different time intervals. The repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the mean score of pain intensity, ODI, and WD over three-time points (baseline, one month, and six months after intervention). The repeated ANOVA test appears more powerful because it separates between-subject variability from within-subject variability. The GEE model was applied for analysis because the sample size was small, and the variables were non-normal. Analyzes were performed on within-group and between-group differences. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 25 software at a significant level of P˂0.05.