Does m-health-based exercise (guidance plus education) improve efficacy in patients with chronic low-back pain? A preliminary report on the intervention's significance

Trials. 2022 Mar 3;23(1):190. doi: 10.1186/s13063-022-06116-z.

Abstract

Background: The utilization of mobile health (m-health) has rapidly expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic, and there is still a lack of relevant clinical data pertaining to chronic low-back pain (CLBP) management. This study was designed to compare the effectiveness of m-health-based exercise (via guidance plus education) versus exercise (via guidance) during CLBP management.

Methods: Participants (n = 40) were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. The intervention group received m-health-based exercise (via guidance plus education), whereas the control group received m-health-based exercise (via guidance). The exercise prescription video and educational content were sent to participants by the application (app), Ding Talk. Repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to test the baseline's intervention effects, 6-week follow-up, and 18-week follow-up. We selected function (Roland and Morris Disability Questionnaire) and pain intensity (current, mean, and most severe Numeric Rating Scale in the last 2 weeks) as the primary outcomes, changes of negative emotion (depression, anxious), and quality of life as the secondary outcomes.

Results: Time's significant effect was found in pain, function, and health-related quality of life in both groups, but time did not show significant interaction effects. Participants were able to use m-based education with their anxiety and depression after treatment, but the relief only lasted until week 6. No differences were found on the aspect of mental health-related quality of life.

Conclusion: Preliminary findings suggest that m-health-based exercise (via guidance) may be a convenient and effective method to treat CLBP. However, additional health education didn't help more. More rigorous controlled trials are needed to improve the therapeutic effect in future studies.

Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trials Registry Number ChiCTR2000041459 . Registered on December 26, 2020.

Keywords: Exercise therapy; Health education; Low back pain; Mobile health.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19*
  • Chronic Pain* / diagnosis
  • Chronic Pain* / therapy
  • Exercise Therapy
  • Humans
  • Low Back Pain* / diagnosis
  • Low Back Pain* / psychology
  • Low Back Pain* / therapy
  • Pandemics
  • Quality of Life
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Telemedicine*
  • Treatment Outcome