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


OBJECTIVE
The aims of this study were to evaluate the effectiveness and participant satisfaction of web-based physiotherapy in people with spinal cord injury (SCI).


METHODS
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 8 weeks of web-based physiotherapy (intervention), twice per week, or usual care (control). Individual exercise programmes were prescribed based on participants' 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-min walk test. Participants were positive about using web-based physiotherapy and stated that 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 and rated the programme highly and beneficial for health and well-being at various states after injury. The results of this study warrant further work with a more homogeneous sample.


BACKGROUND
This study was funded by the Queen Elizabeth National Spinal Injuries Unit, Glasgow, UK.
School of Medicine, University of Glasgow, Scotland, UK.
E H
EH
Coulter
Queen Elizabeth National Spinal Injury Unit, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Scotland, UK.
A N
AN
McLean
Queen Elizabeth National Spinal Injury Unit, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Scotland, UK.
J P
JP
Hasler
Queen Elizabeth National Spinal Injury Unit, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Scotland, UK.
D B
DB
Allan
AKM-STATS, Statistical Consultants, Scotland, UK.
A
A
McFadyen
School of Medicine, University of Glasgow, Scotland, UK.
L
L
Paul
D000046:Academic Medical Centers; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D059825:Physical Therapists; D010865:Pilot Projects; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012606:Scotland; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D000069350:Telerehabilitation / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D000070857:Walk Test