Can a video call replace a Hands-On physical therapist?
NCT ID NCT07705945
First seen Jul 15, 2026 · Last updated Jul 16, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study compares the effectiveness of in-person physical therapy versus remote (telehealth) physical therapy for treating musculoskeletal pain, such as back or joint pain. Researchers are enrolling 210 adults aged 18-64 who are TRICARE beneficiaries and have had a healthcare visit for their pain in the past six weeks. Participants will receive either one-on-one sessions with a physical therapist in person or via video call, and the study will measure changes in pain, enjoyment, and daily activity.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- physical therapy delivered either in-person or via telehealth
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could show that remote physical therapy is a viable alternative to in-person care, improving access for people with musculoskeletal pain.
- What could go wrong
- This is a relatively small trial in a specific military population, so results may not apply to everyone. Telehealth may not work as well for certain conditions or individuals.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 210 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Jul 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Jul 2028
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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A government agency
The lead sponsor is a US federal agency other than the NIH.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 64 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Ages 18-64 * TRICARE Beneficiary (active duty, retiree, dependent) * Health care visit for their MSK condition in the past 6 weeks * Diagnosed with an MSK condition that has persisted for at least 2 weeks * Has a computer (either smartphone, tablet or laptop), with video and audio capabilities for telehealth, including access to internet * Able to speak and read English well enough to provide informed consent, follow study instructions and independently answer the questionnaires * Available to attend treatment sessions over the next 2 months Exclusion Criteria: * Surgery for any MSK condition in the past 6 months * Currently known to be pregnant * Medical contraindication to exercise * Currently receiving or scheduled to receive invasive or other nonpharmacologic interventions for any MSK condition (e.g., chiropractic, injections, etc.) with the exception of a physical therapy referral, an issued profile or duty restriction, or other related patient education * Anyone separating from the military within 9 months (other than normal military retirement), pending a medical or physical evaluation board, discharge from the military for medical reasons, or pending or undergoing any litigation for an injury * Signs of serious or systemic pathology that could be responsible for the musculoskeletal pain (i.e. ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus, vertebral osteomyelitis, or psoriatic arthritis), currently receiving treatment for cancer other than skin cancer or acute fracture (in the last 3 months) of the musculoskeletal region.
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Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The study's own enquiry address
This study publishes an address for enquiries. See it below .
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The places running it
4 sites. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Show contact details
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Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
Study contacts
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Contact
Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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Brooke Army Medical Center
Fort Sam Houston, Texas, 78234, United States
Contact Email: •••••@•••••
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Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center
Fort Hood, Texas, 76544, United States
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Madigan Army Medical Center
Joint Base Lewis McChord, Washington, 98431, United States
Contact Email: •••••@•••••
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Tripler Army Medical Center
Tripler AMC, Hawaii, 96859, United States
Contact Email: •••••@•••••
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