Digital Care Program Shows Comparable Effectiveness to In-Person Physiotherapy for Chronic Low Back Pain
Study Overview
A randomized controlled trial was conducted to assess the effectiveness of a digital care program (DCP) compared to conventional in-person physiotherapy for treating chronic low back pain (CLBP). The study enrolled 140 participants, divided equally between the digital group (DG) and the conventional group (CG). Both groups showed significant improvements in disability and pain levels, with no statistical differences in outcomes between the two intervention methods.
Participant Engagement and Program Completion
- Completion Rates: The DG had a higher completion rate (81.4%) compared to the CG (64.3%).
- Dropout Rates: The CG experienced higher dropout rates (34.3%) than the DG (15.7%).
- Treatment Dosage: Both groups dedicated similar amounts of time to exercise sessions, with the DG performing more sessions on average.
Clinical Outcomes
- Disability and Pain: Both groups reported significant improvements in the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and pain levels, with no significant differences between groups.
- Responder Rates: The proportion of treatment responders was similar between the DG (40.4%) and the CG (42.2%).
- Mental Health: Improvements in anxiety and depression were observed in both groups, with no significant differences.
Safety and Adverse Events
- No serious adverse events were reported, and adverse event rates were similar between groups.
Conclusion
The study demonstrates that a fully-remote digital intervention for CLBP can promote similar improvements as high-intensity, evidence-based in-person physiotherapy. The digital format offers advantages in terms of accessibility, patient engagement, and potentially lower costs, making it a viable alternative to traditional in-person care. The findings support the consideration of digital interventions as effective and safe options for managing CLBP, especially in overcoming geographical barriers and reducing treatment start waiting times.