Telerehabilitation and Clinic-Applied Core Stabilization Exercises in Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain

Comparison of the Effects of Telerehabilitation and Clinic-Applied Core Stabilization Exercises on Pain, Quality of Life and Endurance in Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain

The aim of the study is to compare the effects of core stabilization exercises on pain, quality of life and endurance in individuals with chronic low back pain with telerehabilitation and in-clinic application. In this way, the effect of low-cost, easy-to-access and longer-term telerehabilitation in the treatment of chronic low back pain will be examined comparatively with face-to-face application.

Low back pain is a common health problem worldwide, characterized by the persistence of its symptoms. It usually occurs as a musculoskeletal injury that can occur at work, during exercise, after a traumatic event, or from a condition of unknown cause. According to the National Institutes of Health, 80% of adults experience low back pain in their lifetime. Data from the 2015 National Health Interview Survey showed that the population with low back pain is over 140 million annually. Nonspecific low back pain is a type of pain where the cause cannot be specifically determined, such as tumors, spinal fractures, or infections. According to its duration, low back pain is classified as: acute pain (lasting less than 6 weeks); subacute pain (lasting between 6 weeks and 3 months); or chronic pain (lasting longer than 3 months).

There are various methods for the treatment of chronic low back pain. The aim of the treatment methods is to reduce pain, increase functionality and prevent deterioration in daily life activities. There is strong evidence in treatment-oriented studies that exercise training reduces pain and improves quality of life. The core region is responsible for the transfer of power between the upper and lower extremities of the body. All movements start from the core region and are transferred to the extremities. It is also the most important muscle group that provides body stabilization. The stability of the spine is negatively affected in people with low back pain. Generally, individuals with pain problems have poorly coordinated muscles around the spine and weakness in the core region. Core stabilization exercises aim to improve the strength and control of the muscles that are central to maintaining spinal stability. Telerehabilitation is an online or offline tool that allows personalized treatment of patients. It also allows patients to access information about their treatment and condition at any time. This reduces costs and geographical barriers. The aim of the study is to compare the effects of core stabilization exercises on pain, quality of life and endurance in individuals with chronic low back pain with telerehabilitation and in-clinic application. In this way, the effect of low-cost, easy-to-access and longer-term telerehabilitation in the treatment of chronic low back pain will be examined comparatively with face-to-face application.

Inclusion Criteria:

• People with chronic back pain between the ages of 25-55
• People with back pain for more than 3 months
• Ability to read and understand Turkish
• Volunteer to participate in the study
• Those with pain intensity above 3 on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Not accepting to participate in the study,
• Having any pathology that causes back pain (e.g. infections, tumors or rheumatoid arthritis)
• Having liver, heart, lung, kidney failure or tumor
• Having a history of cerebrovascular disease
• Having a neurological disease or skeletal muscle degenerative disease
• Using assistive devices
• Having cognitive disorders
• Being pregnant
• Having undergone orthopedic surgery in the last two years
• Those with scoliosis