This systematic review and network meta-analysis compared digital health interventions for adults with low back pain. It pooled 84 randomised trials with 11 649 participants from database and trial registry searches to August 2026. Formats included telemedicine, web and mobile apps, virtual reality, exergaming, biofeedback, face-to-face care and control. At the end of treatment, virtual reality reduced pain intensity most (SMD -1.43, 95% CI -1.87 to -0.98; moderate confidence). It was also linked to lower fear avoidance (SMD -1.14) and better quality of life (SMD 0.97). Its effect on physical function (SMD -0.86) and other estimates, such as self-efficacy, had very low confidence.
Why it is interesting: Digital care for back pain spans many formats, from telemedicine to virtual reality. This network meta-analysis compares seven formats against control in one analysis, with virtual reality ahead at the end of treatment.
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