The effectiveness and satisfaction of web-based physiotherapy in people with spinal cord injury: a pilot randomised controlled trial

Coulter, E. H. , McLean, A. N., Hasler, J. P., Allan, D. B., McFadyen, A. and Paul, L. (2017) The effectiveness and satisfaction of web-based physiotherapy in people with spinal cord injury: a pilot randomised controlled trial. Spinal Cord, 55, pp. 383-389. (doi: 10.1038/sc.2016.125) (PMID:27596027)

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Abstract

Study Design: Pilot randomised controlled trial. Objectives: The aims of this study were to evaluate the effectiveness and participant satisfaction of web-based physiotherapy for people with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI). Setting: Community patients of a national spinal injury unit in a university teaching hospital, Scotland, UK. Methods: Twenty-four participants were recruited and randomised to receive eight weeks of web-based physiotherapy (intervention), twice per week, or usual care (control). Individual exercise programmes were prescribed based upon participant’s abilities. The intervention was delivered via a website (www.webbasedphysio.com) and monitored and progressed remotely by the physiotherapist. Results: Participants logged on to the website an average of 1.4±0.8 times per week. Between-group differences, although not significant were more pronounced for the 6 minute walk test. Participants were positive about using web-based physiotherapy and stated they would be happy to use it again and would recommend it to others. Overall it was rated as either good or excellent. Conclusions: Web-based physiotherapy was feasible and acceptable for people with SCI. Participants achieved good compliance with the intervention, rated the programme highly and beneficial for health and well-being at various states post injury. The results of this study warrant further work with a more homogenous sample.

Item Type:Articles
Keywords:Spinal cord injury, telerehabilitation, exercise, physical therapy modalities.
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Coulter, Dr Elaine and Paul, Dr Lorna
Authors: Coulter, E. H., McLean, A. N., Hasler, J. P., Allan, D. B., McFadyen, A., and Paul, L.
Subjects:R Medicine > RM Therapeutics. Pharmacology
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing > Nursing and Health Care
Journal Name:Spinal Cord
Publisher:Nature Publishing Group
ISSN:1362-4393
ISSN (Online):1476-5624
Published Online:06 September 2016
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2016 Nature Publishing Group
First Published:First published in Spinal Cord 55:383-389
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher

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