Effects of an artificial intelligence-based exercise program on pain intensity and disability in patients with neck pain compared with group exercise therapy: A cohort study

Objectives: This study compares the effects of an artificial intelligence app-based exercise program with group exercise therapy on pain intensity and neck-related disability in patients with neck pain. Participants: 84 patients with neck pain. 70 fulfilled the study requirements. 52 were in the intervention and 18 in the comparison group. Intervention: The intervention group utilized an AI-based exercise program accessible via digital devices. The AI provided 3-5 daily exercises tailored to individual feedback, pain intensity, and well-being. The exercise duration was up to 15 min per day. The comparison group attended up to two 45-min group exercise sessions weekly. Methods: Pain intensity and neck-related disability were assessed using an 11-point numerical rating scale and the Neck Disability Index via online questionnaires at baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks. The non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test was used to test for between group differences. Results: After 8 weeks, the intervention group showed a significantly lower pain intensity than the comparison group (U = 287, Z = -2.447, p = 0.042, r = 0.3). Compared to baseline, the intervention group showed a significant reduction in neck pain (Chi(2) (2) = 15.775, p < 0.001, W = 0.15) and an improvement in neck-related disability (Chi(2) (2) = 25.094, p < 0.001, W = 0.24). The comparison group showed no significant change over time. Conclusion: The app-based exercise program demonstrated promising results for the reduction of pain intensity and neck-related disability, offering a personalized and mobile alternative to group exercise therapy for patients with neck pain.