Effectiveness of remote vs. face-to-face physiotherapy in musculoskeletal care: The REFORM study

Abstract

This paper aims at comparing the outcomes of patients who received remote physiotherapy to those who received face-to-face physiotherapy for individuals diagnosed with MSDs via a sample of 120 patients through a randomized control trial. Both internship modalities incorporated individual sessions once per week over a course of 8 weeks and with outcomes considered on the basis of pain self-reported using the Numerical Rating Scale accompanied with the patient’s improvement indices based on the Oswestry Disability Index or WOMAC, quality of life by SF-36, and patient satisfaction. It was ascertained that remote physiotherapy is as effective in terms of decreasing pain and increasing functional ability and quality of life as face-to-face therapy. Although the results show that face-to-face group was somewhat more satisfied, the results are indicative of successful application of remote physiotherapy as a viable solution for those who are unable to attend the standard physiotherapy service. Thus, further research is needed to identify long-term consequences and the role of technology in the effectiveness of therapy.