Abstract: Objective To investigate the effect of step rehabilitation training in patients with lumbar disc herniation (LDH) after operation. Methods A total of 101 LDH patients who underwent surgical treatment in Jinan Third People's Hospital from April 2023 to July 2024 were selected and divided into intervention group (n=51) and control group (n=50) by random number table method. The control group was given routine rehabilitation training, and the intervention group was given stepped rehabilitation training. Both groups were treated for 1 month. Lumbar function, pain and quality of life were compared between the two groups. Results Before intervention, there was no difference in the Japanese Orthopaedic Association(JOA) between the two groups (P>0.05). After intervention, the JOA scores of both groups were higher than before intervention, and the intervention group was higher than control group, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Before intervention, there was no difference in VAS scores between the two groups (P>0.05). After intervention, the visual analogue scale (VAS) scores of both groups were lower than before intervention, and the intervention group was lower than control group, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Before intervention, there was no difference in the scores of World Health Organization Quality of Life -100(WHOQOL-100) between the two groups (P>0.05). After intervention, the WHOQOL-100 scores of both groups were higher than before intervention, and the intervention group was higher than control group, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusion The application of step rehabilitation training in the intervention of LDH patients can improve the function of lumbar spine, relieve pain and improve the quality of life.

Key words: lumbar disc herniation, surgery, step rehabilitation training, lumbar function