Does m-health based exercise (guidance plus education) improve efficacy in patients with chronic low-back pain？A preliminary report on the intervention’s significance

Abstract

Objectives: The utilization of mobile health (m-health) has rapidly expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic, and there is still a lack of relevant clinical data pertaining to chronic low-back pain（CLBP）management. This study was designed to compare the effectiveness of m-health based exercise (via guidance plus education) versus exercise (via guidance) during CLBP management.Methods: Participants (n = 40) were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. The intervention group received m-health based exercise (via guidance plus education), whereas the control group received m-health based exercise (via guidance). The exercise prescription video and educational content were sent to participants by the application (app), Ding Talk. Repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to test the baseline’s intervention effects, 6-week follow-up, and 18-week follow-up. We selected function（Roland and Morris Disability Questionnaire）and pain intensity (current, mean, and most severe Numeric Rating Scale in the last 2 weeks）as the primary outcomes, changes of negative emotion (depression, anxious), and quality of life as the secondary outcomes.Results: Time’s significant effect was found in pain, function, and health-related quality of life in both groups, but time did not show significant interaction effects. Participants were able to use m-based education with their anxiety and depression after treatment, but the relief only lasted until Week 6. No differences were found on the aspect of mental health-related quality of life.Conclusion: M-health based exercise (via guidance) is a convenient and effective method to treat CLBP. Additionally, plus education is more helpful in relieving short-term negative emotions and improving treatment adherence than guidance only. However, at the last follow-up（18-week）, no significant differences were found between the intervention and control groups.