Telephone versus usual care in management of acute whiplash associated disorder : a pilot study

• Published in: South African journal for research in sport, physical education and recreation physical education and recreation, 2016-01, Vol.38 (3), p.259-269
• Main Authors: Watson, Estelle D., Coopoo, Yoga
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Management; Manual therapy; Telephone; Whiplash Associated Disorder
• ISSN: 0379-9069

Whiplash associated disorder (WAD) is a common and costly condition, and recommended management includes advice to "act as usual" and exercise. Providing this treatment through a telephonic intervention may help to improve access to care, and reduce costs. This pilot study assessed: (1) the effectiveness of a telephonic intervention for low grade WAD injuries; and (2) the comparison between this intervention and standard manual therapy. A quasi-experimental study design was implemented. Eighty-two (n=82) participants received the telephone remote intervention (RI), which included an exercise booklet and telephonic support every seven to 10 days for a period of 12 weeks. Forty-five (n=45) participants received standard manual therapy treatment (SMT). Outcome measures included pain rating, subjective range of movement and activities of daily living. Post-intervention follow-up outcomes were assessed telephonically for both groups at the end of the 12-week intervention period. A statistically significant improvement was found in all outcome measures in both the RI and SMT groups in the short term. No significant difference was found between the two interventions.