Usefulness of telerehabilitation for chronic low back pain treatment

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Created On: 29/11/2023

In a randomized controlled trial, the objective was to assess whether a telerehabilitation (TLRH) program could achieve similar effectiveness as a traditional clinical exercise program in enhancing pain management and various functional factors in nonspecific low back pain (NLBP).

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Key take away

In individuals battling with nonspecific low back pain, a telerehabilitation program demonstrates comparable effectiveness to an in-clinic supervised exercise regimen.

Background

Method

A single-blind, two-armed trial was conducted involving 68 volunteers suffering from chronic NLBP. They were randomized into two groups: the TLRH group consisting of 34 patients, and the clinic group also comprising 34 people. The patients in the TLRH group were given an exercise-based TLRH video along with an educational program explaining the neurophysiology of pain.

Meanwhile, the patients in the clinic group were given the same pain education and exercise program under the supervision of a physician within a clinical setting. Both groups underwent two weekly sessions for a duration of eight weeks. Assessments of active lumbar spine movements, pain levels, range of motion, and kinesiophobia were conducted at the baseline, the conclusion of the 8-week treatment period, and again at the 3-month follow-up.

Result

Significant statistical differences were observed in the range of motion of the left (F = 4.219) and right (F = 11.668) legs during the knee extension test, as well as in pain intensity during the same test (F = 5.176). Additionally, patients with pain located bilaterally exhibited higher pain levels during both flexion (F = 5.133) and extension movements (F = 6.335) compared to those with central or unilateral pain locations.

Conclusion

TLRH program delivered via a mobile app was equally effective as a clinic-based exercise program in improving pain and functional variables in individuals with NLBP.