Conclusions
RS, MM
This study shows digital programs can be viable care delivery models for CSP. High acceptance, satisfaction, and adherence rates were observed in both groups, along with significant and comparable improvements in clinical outcomes. These findings highlight the potential of digital care pathways to deliver PT to ease the current burden of CSP, considering their capacity for scalability, viability, and effectiveness.This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors. The study sponsor, Sword Health, was involved in the study design, data collection, interpretation, and writing of the manuscript. The authors acknowledge the team of physical therapists responsible for the management of participants: Stacie Segebart, Abby Shottler, Ricky Schrantz, Vincent Ann, Alejandra Hernandez, Ivan Arriaga-Martinez, Robert Matthew, and Sara Suddes. The authors would also like to acknowledge the clinical research coordinators: Janet P O’bryan, Heather Bhide, and Rachelle Palkovsky.Authors' Contributions: All authors made a significant contribution to the work reported as follows: SSP and FDC were responsible for the study concept and design; SSP and NF were responsible for participant selection, consent, assessment, and monitoring; SSP and DJ were responsible for data monitoring; MM acquired the data; RM performed the statistical analysis of the data; SSP, NF, DJ, FC, MM, and AA interpreted the data; SSP, DJ, NF, FC, and AA were responsible for drafting the work; FDC, RS, VY, and SPC were responsible for the critical revision of the manuscript; and VB was responsible for funding. All authors approved the final submitted version and agreed to be accountable for all aspects of the work.Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare the following competing interests. DJ, FC, MM, AA, VY, and FDC are employees of Sword Health, the sponsor of this study. VB, VY, and FDC also hold equity in Sword Health. RM is an independent scientific consultant responsible for statistical analysis. SPC is an independent scientific and clinical consultant who received an adviser honorarium from Sword Health.Representation of the digital device. (A) Kit composed by a dedicated tablet with the app and motion trackers. (B) cloud-based portal accessed and monitored by the physical therapist. (C) Exercise execution display on the tablet during sessions with real-time visual biofeedback.Description of the exercise prescription in the digital group.Description of interventions in the conventional group.Tests of normality.Baseline characteristics between study completers (n=74) and noncompleters (n=16).Clinical outcomes estimates by the quantile mixed-effects model: intention-to-treat analysis (N=82).CONSORT-EHEALTH checklist (V 1.6.1).