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

Summary

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.

Conditions

• Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain
• Low Back Pain

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Face-to-Face Clinic-Based Exercise

The exercise protocol consists of stretching, core stabilization, and motor control exercises for low back pain. Frequency: Performed 3 days a week for 8 weeks, consisting of 2 sets of 10 repetitions (approximately 45-60 minutes per session). It will be delivered face-to-face by a physiotherapist in a clinical environment at Istanbul Aydin University.

BEHAVIORAL

Synchronous Telerehabilitation Exercise

The exercise protocol consists of stretching, core stabilization, and motor control exercises for low back pain. Frequency: Performed 3 days a week for 8 weeks, consisting of 2 sets of 10 repetitions (approximately 45-60 minutes per session). It will be delivered via live, real-time online video sessions supervised by a physiotherapist.

BEHAVIORAL

Asynchronous Telerehabilitation Exercise

The exercise protocol consists of stretching, core stabilization, and motor control exercises for low back pain. Frequency: Performed 3 days a week for 8 weeks, consisting of 2 sets of 10 repetitions (approximately 45-60 minutes per session). Participants will be provided with pre-recorded instructional exercise videos and follow the exercises individually at their own convenience.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey

  collaborator OTHER

• Istanbul Aydın University

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

65 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2026-08-01

Primary Completion

2026-11-30

Completion

2026-12-31

Countries

• Turkey (Türkiye)

Study Locations