Development of a Tele-Physiotherapy Tool for the Early Management of Muskuloskeletal Pain in People With Visual Impairement (TeleEDxPhysio)

INTRODUCTION Chronic non-specific low back pain (CNSLBP) is self-defining, as it is a long-lasting low back pain for which the exact cause is unknown in most cases. CLBP is a disease that causes pain and disability). It has a high social impact, as it often causes unemployment and early retirement, representing a major threat and burden to health, society and the economy. CNSLBP is associated with a high burden of direct costs, such as treatment costs (consultations, hospitalisation, medication, diagnosis, and emergency services) as well as indirect costs (lost or reduced productivity, etc. It is estimated that 5% of chronic patients consume 75% of the total cost of care for this disease and it is one of the main causes of temporary disability and permanent disability. The total number of DALYs (number of years lost due to illness, disability) associated with CNSLBP in Europe amounts to 10,731,256.71 according to the 2019 global burden of disease study, and is expected to increase, especially in Western Europe. Currently, CNSLBP is considered a health priority, which does not directly impact on the risk of death but has a high impact on quality of life.

There are a myriad of therapeutic options for the treatment of CNSLBP. Undoubtedly, those that have demonstrated the best results are all active modalities. Therapy modalities with a more passive character also have a proven analgesic efficacy, but their effect does not last over time. Studies reveal similar effects when different active therapy modalities are compared, such as walking, Pilates, abdominal exercises, analytical or functional strength exercises, stretching, among others. However, to date, we have not found a protocol that integrates the best exercises of the different modalities in the optimal workloads.

HYPOTHESIS The hypothesis put forward in this project is that a programme based on semi-directed therapeutic exercise and health education, in people with and without visual impairment, achieves better results in movement capacity, functional capacity, strength and body constitution, compared to a treatment based on passive analgesic techniques, in patients with CNSLBP.

GENERAL AND SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES The overall objective of this project is to compare the impact of a semi-directed therapeutic exercise and health education programme in CLBP patients, with and without visual impairment, compared to passive analgesic treatment.

The specific objectives to be achieved are:

1. To quantify the difference in scores on the OSWESTRY LOW BACK DISABILITY QUESTIONNAIRE (ODI), between the group of patients receiving the exercise programme (group A) and the passive analgesic treatment (group B). The degree of disability generated by the CLBP will be compared in both groups at the beginning and at the end of the intervention. This will allow us to create a structured recommendation on the best intervention model for the treatment of these patients.
2. Quantify what are the main differences in the movement pattern of the subjects in the active group (A) and the passive group (B). Significant differences, which we aim to objectify, are expected in terms of movement patterns, measured by sensors, after two opposite interventions.
3. To identify differences in the results obtained with the different intervention modalities in subjects (participants) with and without visual impairment. It will be interesting to identify in each of the groups whether there are differences in terms of results in subjects with and without visual impairment, thus being able to establish visual impairment as a conditioning factor in the treatment process of these patients.
4. To analyse adherence to treatment in both groups. Comparing the number of drop-outs in both groups, as well as the degree of compliance with the homework tasks (group A), would allow us to identify adherence to two totally opposite treatment modalities.
5. To find the percentage of homework completion in the active group. As this is a semi-directed exercise programme, intervention group A, part of the tasks will be carried out without the presence of the physiotherapist. It will be interesting to understand what percentage of the subjects do or do not complete the home tasks, by means of activity monitoring devices.
6. To identify difficulties in the understanding and execution of home sessions by visually impaired people. We know that even for people without visual impairment, the correct understanding of tasks at home can be extremely difficult. In this case, it will be possible to identify how the visual impairment interferes with this process by monitoring the patient on a weekly basis.
7. To find out the individual effectiveness of the exercises selected in the programme. There is little evidence regarding the movements selected for strength work in CLBP patients. Some authors have successfully employed whole body functional work, abdominal stabilisation exercises, extensor chain strengthening exercises, gait; however, there is still a lack of work experimenting with these exercise modalities.
8. Analyse the tools used in the study for the visually impaired user.

The patient with CNSLBP and visual impairment faces some challenges in accessing digital content. It will be important to understand whether or not the elements used are effective for this population.

All these objectives seek as a common interest the contribution of scientific evidence that supports the use of intelligent sensors in musculoskeletal pathology and that, integrated in telecare PTAs and through the use of artificial intelligence, allow the physiotherapist to be able to establish with greater precision a personalised diagnosis, as well as to serve patients as a feedback system that allows them to be an active part of their diagnosis and treatment.