Randomized-controlled trial assessing a digital care program versus conventional physiotherapy for chronic low back pain.

研究概要

One hundred and forty patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP) were randomized to receive either a digital care program (DCP) (n=70) or conventional in-person physiotherapy (n=70). The primary outcome of interest was the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Secondary outcomes included self-reported pain levels, willingness to pursue surgery, analgesics consumption, anxiety and depression symptoms, fear-avoidance beliefs, physical activity levels, absenteeism, presenteeism, and overall productivity. Outcomes were assessed up to 8 weeks. Overall, the results of the study revealed that both interventions resulted in significant improvements in disability and pain with no significant differences between the groups. This suggests that a digital care program can be as effective as in-person physiotherapy for managing CLBP.