Effect of Telerehabilitation-Based and Face-to-Face Core Stabilization Exercises on Core Muscle Thickness and Functional Capacity in Asymptomatic Individuals: A Randomized Trial.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to establish the effect of core stabilization exercises applied face-to-face (FTF) and with telerehabilitation (TR) on core muscle thickness, functional capacity, back-related performance, and quality of life in asymptomatic individuals.

METHOD: In this randomized trial, 54 asymptomatic individuals were included in the study. FTF and TR groups performed core stabilization exercises 3 days a week for 8 weeks. Core muscle thickness was assessed by ultrasound imaging; functional capacity was assessed with repetitive side reaching, overhead lifting, and overhead working tests; back performance was assessed with the back performance scale (BPS); and quality of life was assessed with the SF-36 questionnaire.

RESULTS

Following the core stabilization exercise program, the thickness of the right and left Transversus Abdominis muscles-measured at rest and during contraction and the thickness of the Internal Oblique muscle increased in both groups; however, the increases in Transversus Abdominis thickness at both resting and during contraction, were significantly greater in the FTF group compared with the TR group (P < .005). The improvement in the overhead working test (P = .02, effect size [ES] = 0.33) and back performance scale (BPS) score (P = .00, ES = 0.39) was greater in the FTF group compared with the TR group.

CONCLUSION

Core stabilization exercises provided improvements in core muscle thickness, functional capacity, back-related performance, and quality of life in asymptomatic individuals. Improvements in these parameters might inform future research investigating the prevention of low back pain with therapeutic exercise. In addition, this study demonstrated that core stabilization exercises can be implemented via TR as an alternative to FTF interventions.