Efectividad de la información escrita e ilustrada en la adherencia a un programa terapéutico domiciliario en pacientes con cervicalgia crónica: un estudio piloto

Abstract

ObjectiveTo determine the effectiveness of written and illustrated information in the adherence to a home-based therapeutic exercise program in patients with chronic neck pain. Materials and methodsAn experimental, randomized and controlled pilot designed study, with blinding of patients was performed. The sample consisted of Management and Service Personnel of the University of Jaen who had chronic neck pain. All subjects received 3 individual sessions of physiotherapy and the prescription (validated by 10 experts) of 5 neck exercises and 5 postural recommendations. Patients in the control group received this information orally, while in the experimental group that information was reinforced by written and illustrated instructions. Treatment adherence to the therapeutic program was evaluated at 15 days of its completion by asking the subjects if they remembered, performed the 10 components prescribed and how often they did so. The result endpoint was grouped into Null, Little, A lot and Much adherence. ResultsA total of 30 participating subjects were randomly assigned to the experimental group (n=15) and the control group (n=15). Significant differences were found in relation to therapeutic adherence between the two groups (P=.028). A total of 86.6% of the patients who had received written information showed “A lot” or “Much adherence” compared to 46.7% in the control group. ConclusionsThe incorporation of written and illustrated therapeutic instructions (exercises and postural recommendations) can be considered an effective and clinically viable strategy to improve therapeutic adherence in patients with chronic neck pain.