Randomization and blinding
Participants who met the inclusion criteria were randomized to HS or conventional home (CH) exercise groups. A statistician blinded to the study prepared the computerized random allocation sequence with different block sizes. Furthermore, to ensure that gender and age were similarly represented, random assignment to the intervention arms was stratified according to these variables.There were three measurement periods: the baseline, after the interventions (12th week), and the 24th week long-term follow-up (following the removal of interventions). So, the same physiotherapist (an outcome assessor) who assesses the patient status and outcome measures was blinded to study protocols. Baseline and follow-up assessments lasted between 45 and 60 min.