Web-Based Exercise Program for Non-Specific Low Back Pain
For patients and families
In plain language
An automatic summary of structured registry data. It is an orientation aid, not a substitute for the official protocol or a physician assessment.
- What is being studied
- The protocol lists: Web-Based Therapeutic Exercise Program, Traditional Home Exercise Program.
- Who it may be relevant to
- Registry conditions: Non-specific Low Back Pain (NSLBP). Basic parameters: 18 years — 45 years · All.
- What needs checking
- Age, condition and sex are only basic indicators. Prior treatment, laboratory values and other mandatory requirements appear in the eligibility criteria below.
- Where it takes place
- Turkey (Türkiye)
- Next step
- Save the trial, show it to the treating physician, and confirm current recruitment with the study center. Costs, documents and travel →
Unsure about the terms? Read our patient guide →
Official title
Effectiveness of Web-Based Exercise Programs in the Management of Non-Specific Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Overview
This study evaluates the effectiveness of a web application-based exercise program (delivered via Physitrack) for managing non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) compared to traditional home exercise programs. The trial focuses on whether web-based delivery can improve pain, function, quality of life, and adherence, providing evidence for digital rehabilitation as a practical alternative to conventional physiotherapy.
Detailed description
Non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) is a prevalent condition associated with pain, functional limitations, and reduced quality of life. Access to in-person physiotherapy can be limited by geographic, financial, or time-related constraints. Web-based exercise programs offer an accessible alternative by delivering personalized exercises, educational content, reminders, and self-monitoring tools via digital platforms.
This study aims to investigate whether a structured web application-based exercise program can improve outcomes for adults with NSLBP compared to traditional home exercises. The trial addresses gaps in current evidence regarding the effectiveness of telerehabilitation, patient engagement, and delivery modes, and seeks to determine if digital interventions can serve as a viable complement or alternative to conventional physiotherapy.
Interventions
- Behavioral Web-Based Therapeutic Exercise Program
Participants complete an 8-week web-based therapeutic exercise program via Physitrack, with 30-45 minute sessions twice weekly. The program targets core strengthening, spinal mobility, posture correction, and pain reduction. Exercises progress weekly from basic core engagement and breathing techniques to advanced trunk control, dynamic movements, and integration. The platform provides instructional videos, reminders, educational content, and self-monitoring tools to enhance adherence, engagement - Behavioral Traditional Home Exercise Program
Participants follow a 6-week traditional home exercise program with 30-40 minute sessions, twice weekly. The program focuses on flexibility, basic trunk and core strengthening, balance, and ergonomic practice. Exercises progress weekly, including cat-cow stretches, pelvic tilts, glute bridges, partial curl-ups, bird-dog, lunges, and posture training. Participants perform exercises independently at home using printed instructions, aiming to reduce pain, improve spinal mobility, and enhance functi
Primary outcome measures
- Pain Reduction (Numeric Pain Rating Scale, NPRS) [Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks after intervention]
Secondary outcome measures (4)
- Functional Disability (Oswestry Disability Index, ODI) [Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks after intervention]
- Quality of Life (Short Form Health Survey, SF-36) [Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks after intervention]
- Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (PSQ) [Time frame: 6 weeks end of intervention]
- Proprioception (Joint Position Sense Test, JPS) [Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks after intervention]
Eligibility criteria
Inclusion criteria
- Adults aged 18-45 years diagnosed with non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) for 6 weeks to <12 months.
- Self-reported pain intensity ≥3 on a 0-10 Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS).
- Evidence of functional limitation (Oswestry Disability Index or Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire).
- Access to a smartphone, tablet, or computer with internet connectivity.
- Ability and willingness to participate in telerehabilitation programs.
Exclusion criteria
- Specific causes of low back pain (herniated disc with radiculopathy, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, fractures, infections, malignancy).
- Neurological deficits (e.g., severe motor weakness, progressive neurological symptoms).
- Severe psychiatric or cognitive disorders interfering with participation.
- History of spinal surgery within the last year.
- Severe comorbidities contraindicating exercise (e.g., uncontrolled diabetes, cardiovascular disease).
- Pregnant or planning pregnancy during the study period.
- Active substance or alcohol abuse.
- Participation in other structured rehabilitation or physical therapy programs within the last 3 months.
Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.
Healthy volunteers: No
Study design
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Model
- Parallel assignment
- Masking
- Open label
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
Study locations
Turkey (Türkiye) · 1 center
- Istanbul Medipol University — Istanbul
Publications
- Searle A et al., 2015
- Hayden JA et al., 2005
- Qaseem A et al., 2017
- Fernández-Rodríguez R et al., 2021
- Natour J et al., 2015
- Wells C et al., 2014
- Ware JE Jr, Sherbourne CD. The MOS 36-item short-form health survey (SF-36). I. Conceptual framework and item selection. Med Care. 1992 Jun;30(6):473-83. PMID 1593914
- Fairbank JC, Pynsent PB. The Oswestry Disability Index. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2000 Nov 15;25(22):2940-52; discussion 2952. doi: 10.1097/00007632-200011150-00017. PMID 11074683
Identifiers
NCT: NCT07208435 · E-10840098-202.3.02-3388