Non-specific Low Back Pain (NSLBP)
Conditions
Keywords
Non-Specific Low Back Pain, NSLBP, Web-Based Exercise Program, Telerehabilitation, Randomized Controlled Trial, Physiotherapy, Home Exercise Program, Pain Management, Functional Improvement, Quality of Life
Brief summary
This study evaluates the effectiveness of a web application-based exercise program (delivered via Physitrack) for managing non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) compared to traditional home exercise programs. The trial focuses on whether web-based delivery can improve pain, function, quality of life, and adherence, providing evidence for digital rehabilitation as a practical alternative to conventional physiotherapy.
Detailed description
Non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) is a prevalent condition associated with pain, functional limitations, and reduced quality of life. Access to in-person physiotherapy can be limited by geographic, financial, or time-related constraints. Web-based exercise programs offer an accessible alternative by delivering personalized exercises, educational content, reminders, and self-monitoring tools via digital platforms. This study aims to investigate whether a structured web application-based exercise program can improve outcomes for adults with NSLBP compared to traditional home exercises. The trial addresses gaps in current evidence regarding the effectiveness of telerehabilitation, patient engagement, and delivery modes, and seeks to determine if digital interventions can serve as a viable complement or alternative to conventional physiotherapy.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALWeb-Based Therapeutic Exercise Program
Participants complete an 8-week web-based therapeutic exercise program via Physitrack, with 30-45 minute sessions twice weekly. The program targets core strengthening, spinal mobility, posture correction, and pain reduction. Exercises progress weekly from basic core engagement and breathing techniques to advanced trunk control, dynamic movements, and integration. The platform provides instructional videos, reminders, educational content, and self-monitoring tools to enhance adherence, engagement, and self-management.
BEHAVIORALTraditional Home Exercise Program
Participants follow a 6-week traditional home exercise program with 30-40 minute sessions, twice weekly. The program focuses on flexibility, basic trunk and core strengthening, balance, and ergonomic practice. Exercises progress weekly, including cat-cow stretches, pelvic tilts, glute bridges, partial curl-ups, bird-dog, lunges, and posture training. Participants perform exercises independently at home using printed instructions, aiming to reduce pain, improve spinal mobility, and enhance functional outcomes.
Sponsors
Medipol University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Intervention model description
Participants will be randomly assigned to either the web-based exercise program (Physitrack) group or the traditional home exercise program group. Each group will receive their assigned intervention throughout the study period, and outcomes will be compared between groups to assess differences in pain reduction, functional improvement, and quality of life.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 45 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Adults aged 18-45 years diagnosed with non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) for 6 weeks to \<12 months. * Self-reported pain intensity ≥3 on a 0-10 Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). * Evidence of functional limitation (Oswestry Disability Index or Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire). * Access to a smartphone, tablet, or computer with internet connectivity. * Ability and willingness to participate in telerehabilitation programs.
Exclusion criteria
* Specific causes of low back pain (herniated disc with radiculopathy, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, fractures, infections, malignancy). * Neurological deficits (e.g., severe motor weakness, progressive neurological symptoms). * Severe psychiatric or cognitive disorders interfering with participation. * History of spinal surgery within the last year. * Severe comorbidities contraindicating exercise (e.g., uncontrolled diabetes, cardiovascular disease). * Pregnant or planning pregnancy during the study period. * Active substance or alcohol abuse. * Participation in other structured rehabilitation or physical therapy programs within the last 3 months.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Pain Reduction (Numeric Pain Rating Scale, NPRS) | Baseline and 6 weeks after intervention | Change in self-reported low back pain intensity from baseline to 6 weeks, measured using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), where 0 = no pain and 10 = worst imaginable pain. Participants report their average pain over the past 24 hours. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Functional Disability (Oswestry Disability Index, ODI) | Baseline and 6 weeks after intervention | Change in disability due to low back pain from baseline to 6 weeks, measured using the ODI, which evaluates daily activities such as pain intensity, personal care, lifting, walking, sitting, and sleeping. Higher scores indicate greater disability. |
| Quality of Life (Short Form Health Survey, SF-36) | Baseline and 6 weeks after intervention | Change in health-related quality of life from baseline to 6 weeks across physical and mental health domains |
| Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (PSQ) | 6 weeks end of intervention | Participants' satisfaction with the intervention, including ease of use, communication, and perceived effectiveness. |
| Proprioception (Joint Position Sense Test, JPS) | Baseline and 6 weeks after intervention | Change in lumbar spine proprioception from baseline to 6 weeks. |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Contacts
CONTACTYağmur Mustafaoğlu, PT, MSc (Cand.)
STUDY_DIRECTORMerve Yılmaz Menek, Assoc. Prof
Assoc. prof. Merve Yılmaz Menek
Outcome results
None listed