Effects of Clinic-Based and Telerehabilitation-Based Motor Control Exercises in Individuals with Chronic Low Back Pain - A Randomized Controlled Trial with 3-Month Follow-Up.

Abstract

Objective: This study evaluated the effectiveness of clinic-based and telerehabilitation-based motor control exercises in individuals with chronic low back pain three months post-treatment.

Methods: Forty-two participants were randomized to either clinic-based or telerehabilitation-based groups, performing exercises three times weekly for eight weeks. Assessments were conducted pre-intervention, post-intervention and one and three months after the intervention. The primary outcome was pain intensity (Visual Analog Scale) for low back pain.

Results: Both exercise approaches were found to be similarly effective in improving pain disability, quality of life (except for emotional response, energy level, sleep, and social isolation), and pain catastrophizing at all follow-up time points. The Visual Analog Scale showed a significant reduction in pain from baseline at all time points in both groups (P<0.001), with effect sizes ranging from moderate to strong. Nottingham Health Profile showed significant improvements in physical activity, pain, and total score, with effect sizes ranging from moderate to strong. No significant changes in spatiotemporal gait parameters were observed in either group. According to the post-intervention intention-to-treat analysis, lumbar flexion range of motion showed significant improvements in both groups with small effect sizes.

Discussion: Telerehabilitation-based motor control exercises proved as effective as clinic-based methods in treating chronic low back pain, offering a viable alternative tailored to individual needs and circumstances.