Effectiveness of telerehabilitation in managing chronic low back pain: a pragmatic randomized controlled non-inferiority trial.
Int J Med InformJun 10, 2026 (epub)
Clinical ResearchPhysical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Fayez Alahmri, Hani A Alkhawajah, Shibili Nuhmani et al.
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In 30 seconds
This pragmatic randomized controlled trial evaluated the effectiveness of telerehabilitation (TR) compared to conventional rehabilitation in 50 adults with chronic low back pain (CLBP). The study found that while TR did not demonstrate non-inferiority for pain intensity, it was non-inferior for disability, with an adjusted mean difference of -0.82 points on the Oswestry Disability Index.
Key findings
- TR did not show non-inferiority for pain intensity within the pre-specified margin.
- TR was non-inferior to conventional rehabilitation for disability with an adjusted mean difference of -0.82 points.
- No significant between-group differences were observed for other secondary outcomes.
Why it matters
Understanding the effectiveness of telerehabilitation provides clinicians with alternative management strategies for patients with chronic low back pain, especially in contexts where in-person visits may be challenging.