Fig. 1.

Flowchart of the study, A A-group, B B-group, A′ patients who had acceptable ≥6/12 physiotherapy visits between 3 and 6 months: they were included in “as-rehabilitated” analysis (A′ vs. B). Seven patients refused (4 had health related reasons) to participate in 12× physiotherapy (3–6 months): they were included intention-to-treat analysis (A vs. B). MO months; Start start of rehabilitation intervention. Stages in study protocol are italicized in the right. Q questionnaire; Tr treadmill test