Effectiveness of Telerehabilitation Exercise Programme on Disability and Pain in Patients With Chronic Non-Specific Neck Pain: Randomised Controlled Trial Assessor-Blinded.

Introduction: Chronic neck pain is an important public health problem. Telerehabilitation has emerged as an important tool for individuals with musculoskeletal conditions.

Objectives: The study aims to identify the effectiveness of a telerehabilitation exercise programme compared with a digital self-care booklet on non-specific neck pain.

Methods: A randomised controlled trial assessor-blinded, 3 months follow-up. 70 patients were randomised into two groups of 35. The telerehabilitation group received 6 weeks of individualised training through vídeo calls and an online booklet. The control group received an online booklet. The primary outcome was functional disability. Secondary outcomes included pain intensity, global perceived effect, self-efficacy, quality of life, and kinesiophobia. All outcomes were assessed at baseline, 6 weeks, and a 3-month follow-up.

Results: There was a significant difference between groups for functional disability (Mean 10.3, CI 95% 4.8-15.7), pain intensity (Mean 2.8, CI 95% 1.4-4.1), global perceived effect (Mean -2.3, CI 95% -3.7 to -0.9), and self-efficacy (Mean -24.7, CI 95% -41.0 to -8.4) at the 6-week. At the 3-month follow-up, statistically significant differences were observed for perceived overall effect (Mean -2.0, CI 95% -3.4 to -0.6) and self-efficacy (Mean -26.3, CI 95% -42.8 to -9.8).

Conclusions: Telerehabilitation is effective in improving disability and pain intensity compared with self-care booklets only in individuals with non-specific chronic neck pain.

Trial registration: This trial is registered at https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-10h7khvk under the registration number RBR10h7khvk at 09/16/2022.