The Effect of Tele-rehabilitation on Functional Outcomes in Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Chronic low back pain is a prevalent musculoskeletal condition that significantly impacts the quality of life of affected individuals. Tele-rehabilitation, an emerging approach to delivering physiotherapy services remotely, has gained attention for its potential to improve access to care and treatment outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the effect of tele-rehabilitation on functional outcomes in patients with chronic low back pain through a randomized controlled trial. The study design involved a randomized controlled trial where patients with chronic low back pain were assigned to either the tele-rehabilitation group or the conventional in-person rehabilitation group. The tele-rehabilitation group received physiotherapy interventions remotely using digital platforms, while the control group received traditional face-to-face therapy sessions. Functional outcomes were assessed using standardized measures such as pain intensity, disability level, functional mobility, and quality of life indicators. Results from the study revealed that participants in the tele-rehabilitation group demonstrated comparable improvements in functional outcomes compared to those in the conventional rehabilitation group. Specifically, participants in the tele-rehabilitation group reported significant reductions in pain intensity, improvements in functional mobility, decreased disability levels, and enhanced quality of life measures. The findings suggest that tele-rehabilitation can be an effective and convenient alternative for delivering physiotherapy interventions to patients with chronic low back pain. The implications of these findings are significant for the field of physiotherapy, as tele-rehabilitation offers a promising avenue to enhance access to care, increase treatment adherence, and improve functional outcomes for patients with chronic low back pain. By leveraging digital technologies, healthcare providers can reach a wider population of patients, particularly those facing barriers to accessing traditional in-person rehabilitation services. In conclusion, this randomized controlled trial provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of tele-rehabilitation in improving functional outcomes in patients with chronic low back pain. The results support the integration of tele-rehabilitation as a viable and beneficial approach to delivering physiotherapy services, expanding treatment options, and optimizing patient outcomes in the management of chronic low back pain. Further research and implementation of tele-rehabilitation strategies are warranted to advance the field of physiotherapy and improve the overall quality of care for individuals with musculoskeletal conditions.