Telerehabilitation for Low Back Pain
(TeleBACK Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
The investigators will conduct a prospective, randomized, clinical trial addressing key questions to understanding the effectiveness of telerehabilitation (physical therapy delivered via video-visits) and in-clinic physical therapy for patients with chronic low back pain (LBP). The investigators also seek to understand how patients engage with both care options and how these treatment options influence other LBP-related healthcare utilization.The investigators will explore implementation outcomes using a mixed methods approach consisting of electronic surveys and semi-structured interviews with patients, physical therapists, practice managers, and outpatient services administration focusing on perceived quality and impact on barriers to care. The investigators will enroll 1000 patients with chronic LBP seeking outpatient care at the healthcare systems in Maryland (Johns Hopkins Medicine (JHM)) and Utah (University of Utah (UU) and Intermountain Healthcare (IHC)). Eligible patients will provide informed consent and be randomized to receive telerehabilitation or in-clinic physical therapy delivered by a trained physical therapist. Primary effectiveness outcome is the difference in change in LBP-related disability (Oswestry Disability Index) after 8 weeks of treatment.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It is best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.
Is telerehabilitation for low back pain safe for humans?
How does telerehabilitation for low back pain differ from other treatments?
Telerehabilitation for low back pain is unique because it allows patients to receive physical therapy remotely through videoconferencing, making it accessible for those who are physically or economically disadvantaged. This approach can facilitate multidisciplinary management and provide ongoing support and monitoring, which may not be as easily achieved with traditional in-clinic therapy.13678
What data supports the effectiveness of telerehabilitation for low back pain treatment?
Research shows that telerehabilitation, which uses technology to deliver physical therapy remotely, can be as effective as traditional in-clinic therapy for managing low back pain. Studies found that both methods significantly improved pain intensity, muscle endurance, and overall health, with no major differences in outcomes, suggesting that telerehabilitation is a viable alternative to in-person therapy.12369
Who Is on the Research Team?
Richard L. Skolasky, Sc.D.
Principal Investigator
Johns Hopkins University
Kevin McLaughlin, D.P.T.
Principal Investigator
Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
The TeleBACK Clinical Trial is for individuals with chronic low back pain seeking outpatient care. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either in-clinic physical therapy or telerehabilitation, which is physical therapy via video-visits.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive 8 sessions of physical therapy, either in-clinic or via telerehabilitation, over a period of 8 weeks
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- In-Clinic Physical Therapy
- Telehealth Physical Therapy (Telerehabilitation)
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Johns Hopkins University
Lead Sponsor
University of Utah
Collaborator
Intermountain Health Care, Inc.
Collaborator
Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute
Collaborator