Validity and Reliability of Face-to-Face and Tele-Assessment of Core Stability and Functional Capacity

Istinye University

Status: Enrolling

Conditions: Chronic Low Back Pain (CLBP)

Treatments: Other: Assessment

Study type: Observational

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07256873

ISTU-PT-CLBP-2025

Details and patient eligibility

About

This study aims to compare the validity and reliability of core stability and functional capacity measurements when performed face-to-face and through tele-assessment in individuals with chronic low back pain. Chronic low back pain affects a large portion of the adult population and is associated with reduced core muscle endurance, impaired postural control, and decreased functional capacity. Tele-assessment has become increasingly important, especially after the pandemic, but there is limited evidence regarding its validity and reliability for physical performance tests.

In this study, 36 individuals with nonspecific chronic low back pain will complete core stability tests (plank, side plank, Biering-Sørensen test, and trunk flexor endurance test), functional capacity tests (Timed Up and Go, 30-Second Chair Stand, and 1-Minute Stair Climb), and questionnaires including the Visual Analog Scale and the Oswestry Disability Index. Assessments will be performed by the same physiotherapist first face-to-face in the clinic, then by tele-assessment, and tele-assessment will be repeated after 5-7 days to assess test-retest reliability.

The results are expected to show whether tele-assessment provides accurate and reliable measurements compared with traditional face-to-face evaluation. The findings may support the safe and evidence-based use of tele-assessment methods in physiotherapy practice for individuals with chronic low back pain.

Full description

Chronic low back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders and is associated with decreased core muscle endurance, postural control impairments, and reduced functional capacity. In clinical practice, the evaluation of core stability and functional performance is typically performed through face-to-face assessments. However, the increasing use of tele-health, particularly after the pandemic, has created the need to determine whether these assessments can be performed remotely with acceptable validity and reliability. Existing literature on tele-assessment for musculoskeletal evaluation is limited and often includes small sample sizes or insufficient test standardization.

This study will include 36 individuals with nonspecific chronic low back pain. Participants will complete a series of core stability tests (plank test, side plank test, Biering-Sørensen test, and trunk flexor endurance test), functional capacity tests (Timed Up and Go, 30-Second Chair Stand, and 1-Minute Stair Climb), and clinical scales including the Visual Analog Scale and the Oswestry Disability Index. All assessments will be administered by the same physiotherapist. The first evaluation will be conducted face-to-face in the clinic. A second evaluation will be performed through tele-assessment using a secure video-communication platform, and a third tele-assessment will be conducted 5-7 days later to measure test-retest reliability.

The study aims to compare the results obtained from face-to-face and tele-assessment methods and to determine the validity and reliability of tele-assessment for core stability and functional capacity measurements in individuals with chronic low back pain. The findings are expected to contribute to the evidence-based use of tele-assessment in physiotherapy practice and support its integration into clinical decision-making for patients who have limited access to in-person evaluation.

Enrollment: 36 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 65 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Must have been diagnosed with chronic (>3 months) nonspecific low back pain.
• Must be between 18 and 65 years of age.
• Must be able to independently perform activities of daily living.
• Must not have had previous surgery for low back pain.
• Must be clinically fit to safely perform the tests specified in the research protocol.
• Must have access to the necessary technology (mobile phone, tablet, or computer, internet connection) to participate in in-person and tele-assessment sessions.
• Must be willing to participate in the study and provide written consent.

Exclusion criteria

• History of back surgery or serious trauma.
• History of neurological, rheumatological, cardiovascular, or pulmonary disease.
• Presence of severe scoliosis, kyphosis, or other structural spinal deformities.
• Acute pain, serious musculoskeletal injury, or orthopedic problem that prevents exercise.
• Inability to perform tests safely due to vision and/or hearing loss.
• Inability to follow instructions due to psychiatric or cognitive problems.
• Lack of technological infrastructure for online interviews and tele-assessments.

Trial design

36 participants in 1 patient group

Chronic Low Back Pain

Description:

Participants diagnosed with nonspecific chronic low back pain who will undergo core stability and functional capacity assessments using two methods: (1) face-to-face clinical evaluation and (2) tele-assessment via video communication platforms.

Treatment:

Other: Assessment