The effect of home-based and remote exercises on low back pain during the COVID-19 pandemic: A systemic review

Abstract

Background

The prevalence of low back pain (LBP) surged during the COVID-19 pandemic, posing challenges to face-to-face treatment.

Objectives

The systematic review aims to determine the effectiveness of various digital solutions for controlling and treatment of LBP during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

The systematic review was performed from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2023 across databases, including Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and PubMed, according to the eligibility criteria. This review fulfilled the following criteria according to the PICO system: population (individuals using virtual exercises at home for LBP), interventions (distance rehabilitation and digital application), comparison (intervention group performing exercises virtually at home, and control group receiving in-person services), outcome (methods used in the diagnosis of LBP). Only randomized controlled trials with a PEDro score of 4 or above were included, indicating studies with moderate to good methodological quality. All the studies were assessed to be of high quality.

Results

After the final review, 15 articles with 3789 subjects met the inclusion criteria. Digital tools such as video calls, Artificial Intelligence programs, Virtual Reality Exercises, and video-based programs were commonly used in studies addressing LBP management. The included article's scores ranged from 6.2 on the PEDro scale, which has a maximum of 10 points.

Conclusions

The COVID-19 pandemic prompted heightened attention to digital treatments, yielding relatively acceptable results for patients and therapists. However, recent technological advances indicate future expansion in this field. Key aspects of this method include training individuals in self-management of LBP and promoting adherence. Nonetheless, the high diversity in the use of digital methods poses limitations on conclusive outcomes.