Innovations and evidence in telerehabilitation for lumbar radiculopathy: evidence-based narrative review

Abstract

Lumbar radiculopathy, which affects 3–5% of adults and accounts for 5–10% of cases of low back pain, is characterized by nerve-root compression in the lumbar spine that results in radiating leg pain. Low back pain affected 619 million people worldwide in 2020, making it the most common cause of disability. This evidence-based narrative review evaluates the impact of telerehabilitation for lumbar radiculopathy, using a structured search and synthesis of recent literature. A structured search was conducted, and studies were narratively synthesized to evaluate clinical outcomes, adherence, and cost-effectiveness. An evidence-based narrative review methodology was employed. Electronic databases were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials, observational studies, and systematic reviews assessing telerehabilitation interventions, including video, app-based, and wearable or sensor-assisted programs, in adults with lumbar radiculopathy or low back pain. Telerehabilitation via video, apps, and wearables overcomes access barriers and matches face-to-face care in pain and functional outcomes, with high patient satisfaction and lower cost. By eliminating travel and scheduling constraints, it expands access for rural and mobility-limited individuals and improves adherence. Yet, trials focused on confirmed lumbar radiculopathy remain scarce. Current evidence suggests that telerehabilitation is a feasible, acceptable, and potentially cost-saving adjunct or alternative to conventional rehabilitation for lumbar spine conditions; however, there is a lack of high-quality trials specifically focused on radiculopathy. Future large-scale, longitudinal studies should tailor digital interventions to radicular pain and prioritize patient-centered outcomes like pain, function, and psychosocial well-being.