Short-Term Effects of Telerehabilitation on QOL in Older Adults with Persistent Pain and Numbness After Lumbar Surgery: A Randomized Study

Aims To assess the impact of telerehabilitation (TR) on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in older adults with chronic pain or numbness following lumbar spine surgery.Methods A randomized trial (UMIN: R000051202) included individuals aged 65 and older experiencing pain/numbness three months post-surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis. Participants were assigned to a 12-week TR group (remote pain education and activity guidance) or a home exercise (HE) group (unsupervised exercises). Outcomes included SF-12, pain intensity (NRS), and kinesiophobia (TSK), analyzed via ANCOVA.Results Twenty-nine TR and 27 HE participants completed assessments. Significant group effects were found for role physical (η2=0.137) and bodily pain (η2=0.100) on the SF-12, and TSK (η2=0.100). The TR group demonstrated significantly superior outcomes in these measures compared to the HE group.Conclusions TR interventions combining exercise and education may effectively enhance HRQOL and reduce kinesiophobia in this postoperative population, offering a viable alternative to standard care.