Exercise support
Rehabilitation was started from POD1 in both the control and intervention groups. The patients used a pedometer (HJ-325, Omron Corporation, Japan) to record the numbers of steps taken (100 steps at POD1, 500 steps at POD2, 1000 steps at POD3, 2000 steps at POD4, 3000 steps at POD5, 4000 steps at POD6, and 5000 steps at POD7 as their daily goals). At the time of discharge, the physiotherapist demonstrated trunk exercises that could be done at home and recommended the exercises be performed for 3 months.