INTRA AND INTER-EXAMINER RELIABILITY OF TELEHEALTH ASSESSMENT IN INDIVIDUALS WITH LOW BACK PAIN: A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Introduction: It is well known that the assessment of low back pain in clinical practice is performed through physical examination and the use of instruments that assess functionality, pain, quality of life, among others. However, the reliability of the assessment using these instruments when performed by telehealth is not well known. Materials and methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted with adults aged 18 to 59 years, of both genders, who have chronic nonspecific low back pain. The intra-examiner and inter-examiner reliability of the Biering Sorensen tests (muscular resistance of spine erectors) and Five time sit to stand (lower limb strength, balance and mobility control) and visual analogue pain scale performed by videoconference were verified by through the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Results: The study included 15 women and 4 men (28.52±10.57 years) with nonspecific low back pain of moderate intensity (5.84±1.57 points). It was verified inter-examiner reliability is very good and excellent intra-examiner in the tests performed. Conclusion: Biering Sorensen and Five time sit to stand instruments and visual analogue pain scale are reliable for tele-care assessment of patients with nonspecific low back pain.