This study examined whether a 6-week telerehabilitation exercise program could reduce pain and improve daily functioning in people with chronic non-specific neck pain. Participants were adults aged 18-65 who had neck pain for at least 3 months. The program included guided physiotherapy-based exercises delivered online using video calls. Outcomes measured included pain intensity, disability, mood, and sleep quality. The goal was to evaluate if telerehabilitation is an effective and safe method for managing chronic neck pain.
Chronic non-specific neck pain is a common condition that negatively affects quality of life and daily functioning. Conventional rehabilitation programs often require face-to-face sessions, which may be limited by access barriers. Telerehabilitation offers a practical alternative by providing physiotherapy interventions remotely through online platforms. This study investigated the effects of a 6-week telerehabilitation-based exercise program on individuals with chronic non-specific neck pain. Participants were randomly assigned to groups and received structured exercise sessions guided by a physiotherapist via video calls. Primary outcome was pain intensity measured with the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Secondary outcomes included disability assessed by the Neck Disability Index (NDI), mood and psychological well-being assessed with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-21) and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21), and sleep quality measured with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The objective was to evaluate whether telerehabilitation exercises can reduce pain and disability, and improve psychological health and sleep quality, providing evidence for its effectiveness as a non-invasive and accessible management strategy for neck pain.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
50
1. Telerehabilitation Exercise Program Intervention Description: "A 6-week structured telerehabilitation exercise program delivered via Zoom under the supervision of a physiotherapist. Sessions were conducted 4 days per week, approximately 20-30 minutes each. Exercises focused on posture correction, cervical stabilization, mobility, and pain management strategies." 2. Home Exercise Program Intervention Description: "A 6-week home exercise program for chronic non-specific neck pain. Exercises were demonstrated once weekly via Zoom by a physiotherapist, and participants performed them independently at home on the remaining days. Each session lasted 20-30 minutes and included stretching, strengthening, and posture training."
İstanbul Gelişim University, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation
Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)
Pain Intensity (VAS)
Change in pain intensity assessed by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Scores range from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain).
Time frame: Baseline and after 6 weeks of intervention
Neck Disability (NDI)
Change in functional disability assessed by the Neck Disability Index (NDI). Scores range from 0 to 50, with higher scores indicating greater disability.
Time frame: Baseline and after 6 weeks of intervention
Sleep Quality (PSQI)
Change in sleep quality assessed by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Scores range from 0 to 21, with higher scores indicating poorer sleep quality.
Time frame: Baseline and after 6 weeks of intervention
Depression, Anxiety, and Stress (DASS-21)
Change in psychological outcomes assessed by the Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale (DASS-21). Subscale scores range from 0 to 42.
Time frame: Baseline and after 6 weeks of intervention
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