BACKGROUND

Low back pain (LBP) is a leading cause of disability globally, necessitating effective and accessible treatments. Telerehabilitation, which delivers exercise interventions via telecommunication technologies, has emerged as a promising alternative, particularly for individuals with limited access to traditional care.

AIM

This systematic review assessed the effectiveness of telerehabilitation exercises on pain, disability, and quality of life (QoL) in adults with LBP compared to control and other interventions.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted across Scopus, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, CINAHL, EMBASE, and PEDro databases through July 26, 2023. Ten randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 461 participants with chronic or subacute LBP were analyzed. Interventions included video-based exercises and web applications compared to clinic-based exercises, standard care, home exercises, waiting list, or placebo.

RESULTS

Significant improvements in pain in 6 of 8 studies, disability in 6 of 10 studies, and QoL in all 6 studies where it was assessed. No adverse events or worse outcomes were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest telerehabilitation exercises are effective, safe, and accessible alternatives to traditional rehabilitation, with cost-effectiveness and better adherence. However, the heterogeneity in methods and short follow-up durations highlight the need for high-quality, long-term RCTs to strengthen evidence and guide clinical practice.