Comparison of Traditional, Synchronous, and Asynchronous Telerehabilitation in Office Workers With Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Traditional, Synchronous, and Asynchronous Telerehabilitation Approaches in Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain in Office Workers

Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain (NLBP) is a common condition that occurs without a specific underlying pathology, resulting in muscle tension, pain, and a decreased quality of life. Office workers are particularly at risk due to prolonged sitting, ergonomic errors, and low physical activity. While exercise therapy is a primary approach for management, low adherence rates often limit its effectiveness. Telerehabilitation (remote, technology-supported physiotherapy) stands out for its potential to increase access and support continuity of care.

This study is a randomized controlled trial that will be conducted with 45 office workers aged 18-65 diagnosed with chronic NLBP. Participants will be randomly assigned to three parallel groups: traditional exercise (brochure-based), synchronous telerehabilitation (live sessions), and asynchronous telerehabilitation (pre-recorded videos). The intervention protocol will be implemented for 8 weeks. Evaluations will be performed before and after the 8-week period using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain intensity, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) for functional disability, Short Form-36 (SF-36) for health-related quality of life, and a Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire.

The aim of this study is to compare the effects of traditional, synchronous, and asynchronous telerehabilitation approaches on pain, disability, quality of life, and satisfaction to determine the most effective management model for office workers with chronic nonspecific low back pain.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Being an office worker aged between 18 and 65 years.
• Diagnosed with chronic non-specific low back pain (symptoms persisting for more than 3 months).
• Volunteering to participate in the study and signing the informed consent form.
• Having a computer, smartphone, or tablet with a stable internet connection capable of supporting video calls.

Exclusion Criteria:

• - History of spinal surgery, structural spinal deformities (e.g., severe scoliosis), or specific causes of low back pain (e.g., disc herniation with severe radiculopathy, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis).
• Diagnosis of systemic, rheumatological, neurological, or inflammatory diseases affecting the musculoskeletal system.
• Serious cardiovascular or pulmonary conditions that contraindicate physical exercise.
• Currently receiving active physical therapy or regular medical intervention for low back pain elsewhere.
• Pregnancy.