Comparing telerehabilitation and clinic-based exercises for chronic low back pain

Effects of a Core Stabilization Exercise Program With the Abdominal drawing-in Maneuver Technique in Chronic Non-specific Low Back Pain With Lumbar Instability Using Telerehabilitation.

This study is testing whether doing a specific exercise program for chronic low back pain online works as well as doing it in a clinic.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 30 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 60 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Khon Kaen University (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Maha Sarakham, Mahasarakham)
• Trial ID: NCT06321393 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a Core Stabilization Exercise Program with the Abdominal Drawing-In Maneuver Technique (CSE with ADIM) delivered through telerehabilitation versus traditional clinic-based methods. Participants, diagnosed with chronic low back pain and lumbar instability, will engage in a 7-week exercise program consisting of 20-minute sessions, three times a week. The study will assess outcomes such as pain intensity, functional ability, quality of life, and patient satisfaction. A total of 30 participants will be randomly assigned to either the telerehabilitation or clinic-based group.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-60 with chronic low back pain lasting over 12 weeks and diagnosed with lumbar instability.

Not a fit: Patients with serious spinal pathologies or those who have received core stabilization exercise treatment in the past three months may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide an effective alternative treatment for managing chronic low back pain, improving patient outcomes and accessibility.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results for telerehabilitation approaches in managing chronic pain, suggesting potential success for this study's methodology.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Males or females.
2. Aged between 18 - 60 years old.
3. Onset of back pain lasting more than 12 weeks.
4. Lumbar instability will be diagnosed using a score of at least 6 out of 14 on the Screening Tool for Patients with Lumbar Instability Questionnaire in Thai version.
5. Presented at least two positive signs from three special tests of the following provocation tests: Painful catch, aberrant movement sign, or prone instability test.
6. Pain intensity at rest has a pain level with a numerical rating scale (0-10 NRS) 3-7/10 points.
7. Never receive the treatment by core stabilization exercise during 3 months before participate in this study.
8. Participants must have a smart phone, tablet, or other electronic device with a camera and install the line application on the device. They can perform the basic operations of these devices by themselves.
9. Participants have the ability to read and write Thai fluently.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Onset of serious spinal pathology: spinal fracture, spinal malignancy, or spinal infection.
2. Have been diagnosed with osteoporosis, ankylosing spondylitis, or spondyloarthritis.
3. History of spinal surgery and/or lower extremity.
4. Cauda equina syndrome.
5. Presented at least 2 out of 3 signs of neurological deficit including reflex abnormality or loss of sensation of lower limbs associated with the spinal nerve root and weakness of lower limbs (muscle power less than grade 3 using manual muscle test) (Macedo et al., 2008).
6. Pregnancy or during breast feeding.
7. Body mass index (BMI) \> 30 kg/m2.

Where this trial is running

Maha Sarakham, Mahasarakham

• Miss Chutimon Kongsa — Maha Sarakham, Mahasarakham, Thailand (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Chutimon Kongsa

Conditions: Chronic Low-back Pain, Lumbar Instability, Non-specific chronic low back pain with lumbar instability, lumbar instability