The effect of exercise and education combination via telerehabilitation in patients with chronic neck pain: A randomized controlled trial

Background: A limited number of studies have investigated the effect of telerehabilitation in individuals with chronic neck pain (CNP). Objective: The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of holistic exercise and education combination via telerehabilitation on pain, disability, kinesiophobia, exercise adherence, quality of life and patient satisfaction in individuals with CNP. Methods: A two-armed, randomized controlled study was conducted with 40 participants with CNP. Patients were randomized into two groups: Telerehabilitation (TR) (n = 20) and Standard Rehabilitation (SR) (n = 20). The TR group was provided with exercise and education videos online. The same protocol was given to the SR group in the clinical setting. Patients were evaluated at baseline and after eight weeks of intervention. Satisfaction and usability levels of the TR group were assessed at week 8. Results: TR group demonstrated better improvement in function, quality of life (including bodily pain, general health, social function), kinesiophobia and exercise adherence. The TR group was not superior to the SR group in pain and other quality-of-life subscores. A vast majority of the TR group had high satisfaction and usability. Conclusion: Comprehensive rehabilitation via TR increases satisfaction and participation in patients with CNP. Besides, TR provides more positive effects on function and kinesiophobia. Further studies should focus on the impact of telerehabilitation on pain and quality of life in CNP with a long-term follow-up. © 2023 Elsevier B.V