Randomization and blinding
ADVERSE EVENTS, RECRUITMENT
Participants were randomly allocated to one of the two study groups at a ratio of 1:1. Randomization was performed by a person independent of the study. The number sequence was generated using SAS software (SAS Institute, Cary, NC, USA) and placed in a sequentially numbered, sealed, opaque envelope prior to the recruitment of participants. Once the participants completed the informed consent process, demographic information, and baseline measures, envelopes were opened by one member of the research team not involved in the processes of measurement and intervention.Due to the nature of the interventions in this study, the participants and therapists involved in home exercise and health education was not blinded. Participants presented to the hospital for baseline and six-week assessments conducted by a physiotherapist who was blinded to the treatment allocation. In addition, participants were informed not to discuss their intervention content at any time during the study. Unblinding was allowed in the case of severe adverse events and was reported as part of the results of this study.