Exploring the Frontier of Digital Therapy: An In-Depth Analysis Effectiveness of Telerehabilitation in Alleviating Chronic Neck Pain

Abstract

Background: Chronic neck pain (CNP) affects individuals' functionality and quality of life. Telerehabilitation has emerged as a viable alternative to conventional therapy for managing CNP, especially in cases related to poor posture. The study aimed to compare the effectiveness of telerehabilitation and conventional therapy in reducing functional disability, pain intensity, and improving craniovertebral angle in individuals with CNP due to poor posture. Methods: This study employed a pre-post experimental design with 40 participants suffering from CNP, divided into conventional therapy and telerehabilitation groups. Outcomes measured were functional disability (NPAD), pain intensity (NPRS), and craniovertebral angle before and after a 2-week intervention period. Results: Significant improvements were observed in both groups. In the conventional therapy group, NPAD scores decreased from 33.9±4.47 to 25.4±2.56 (t=2.91, p<0.001), and in the telerehabilitation group from 32.35±3.66 to 24.9±2.29 (t=2.46, p<0.001). NPRS scores in the conventional therapy group reduced from 6.15±0.81 to 4.05±0.83 (t=0.31, p<0.001), and in the telerehabilitation group from 6.05±0.94 to 3.85±0.93 (t=0.52, p<0.001). Craniovertebral angle showed a significant increase in the conventional therapy group from 33.16±5.77 to 42.43±4.81 (t=2.33, p<0.001) and in the telerehabilitation group from 33.27±5.56 to 38.55±5.62 (t=4.37, p<0.001). Conclusion: Both conventional therapy and telerehabilitation were effective in significantly reducing functional disability and pain intensity, with notable improvements in craniovertebral angle, suggesting that telerehabilitation can be a potent alternative to conventional therapy for managing CNP due to poor posture.