The experimental group received individualized assessment and exercise rehabilitation intervention through the clinical decision support system for exercise rehabilitation in patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures.

The control group received conventional postoperative care interventions

The experimental group first developed the functional modules of the OVCF exercise rehabilitation decision support system. Researchers were trained on participant selection, module use, and task allocation. Participants received operation demonstrations and a QR code for video guidance, then registered accounts and entered data. The system auto-captured baseline indicators, generated individualized exercise prescriptions, and pushed them for staff approval. Before and after each exercise session, patients completed vital signs, pain, and fatigue assessments; the system analyzed these data, generated decision support, and recommended next steps for therapist review. Data management included visualization, click tracking, and identification of low compliance, triggering individual online support. A user group facilitated communication. At follow-ups, osteoporosis clinic staff reviewed personal information and adjusted prescriptions based on exercise experience and outcomes.

Physical activity levels were assessed using the Chinese version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Long (IPAQ-L) adapted by Qu Ningning et al. The questionnaire comprises 27 items across six domains: work, transportation, domestic activities, exercise and recreation, sitting time, and sleep time. Each domain includes physical activities at high, moderate, and low intensities. Based on the number of days and accumulated time per day of activity in the past week, weekly physical activity energy expenditure was calculated and expressed in metabolic equivalents (METs). The test-retest reliability (r=0.927) and criterion validity (r=0.821) of this questionnaire are higher than or equal to those of comparable instruments.

Fatigue was assessed using the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) , a subjective tool for evaluating exercise intensity developed by Swedish psychologist Gunnar Borg, designed to quantify an individual's perception of physical exertion during exercise. On the scale, 6 represents no exertion at all; 7-8 indicates extremely light exertion (e.g.sitting quietly); 9-10, very light; 11-12, light exertion; 13-14, moderate exertion; 15-16, heavy exertion; 17-18, very heavy exertion; and 19-20, extremely exhausting, approaching maximal exertion.