Chronic non-specific low back pain (CNSLBP) is one of the most prevalent musculoskeletal disorders, often leading to long-term disability and rising healthcare costs. Modern guidelines recommend conservative treatment – particularly safe, evidence-based exercise therapy.
getback™ Australia, along with healthcare technology partner David Health Solutions, have responded to this need by developing a device-based, medical exercise therapy system.
Rooted in decades of research, the system integrates advanced biomechanics, neuromuscular training principles and intelligent software to provide a measurable treatment program for CNSLBP.
getback™ Clinical Director Geoffrey Mackay said that while the system’s scientific foundation took decades to develop, the focus never shifted from patient outcomes including pain reduction, functional restoration and cost-effectiveness.
‘The getback vision is to help people live their lives unrestricted by back and neck pain,’ he said.
‘Clinically, scientific research increases our knowledge base of how best to rehabilitate a patient following an episode of back pain.’
‘This knowledge base enables getback physiotherapists and exercise physiologists to devise individual treatment programs to help people live without the often debilitating burden of back pain.’
getback™ exercise therapy devices have dual function as medical measuring devices of strength and range of motion, and as training devices. The devices have been registered by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) as Medical Devices with Measuring Function.
Mackay said the dual function of the devices creates a direct link between the science and its application by therapists and better outcomes for patients.
‘Introducing patients to safe and specific exercise with trained therapists helps patients with chronic pain overcome their fear of movement,’ he said.
‘We complement this caring environment by offering cost-effective programs that are flexible to suit busy lifestyles.’
Optimised Biomechanics for safe, targeted training
getback™ devices are engineered to guide spinal exercise within a safe, controlled range, providing joint protection and high neuromuscular effect.
Mackay said the individualised set-up of each exercise device, including adjustable components and resistance, is controlled by each patient’s personalised RFID card.
‘Resistance curves based on the patient’s measured strength and range of motion data ensures smooth movement without strain, even during fatigue,’ he said.
‘Patients typically experience pain-free training due to joint stabilisation and even resistance distribution.’
Isolation and neuromuscular re-education
In chronic back pain, spinal muscle de-conditioning and compensation patterns are common. getback™ devices isolate targeted spinal muscles by minimising contributions from stronger muscle groups. This activation of targeted muscles enables neuromuscular retraining and restores healthy movement patterns.
Progressive and personalised loading
Mackay said that treatment programs for patients with back or neck pain begin with low loads and a limited range of motion, tailored to the individual’s condition.
‘Over a typical 12-week program, load progression is gradual, based on real-time feedback from the devices and patient tolerance, which is monitored after each exercise,’ he said.
‘Safety features also allow training for patients with degenerative changes or post-surgical conditions.’
Real-time feedback and monitoring
Each exercise device integrates with the system’s cloud software, providing patients with live visual feedback and therapists with objective data. Mackay said that each patient’s movement quality, exertion and compliance are monitored in real-time.
‘Strength assessments and mobility data inform load settings for each patient and tracks their progress,’ he said.
‘Patients find this feedback very motivating and typically their adherence improves significantly, which directly enhances outcomes.’
Program outcomes and benefits
Pain reduction: Multiple studies document significant reduction in pain after getback exercise therapy. Long-term studies also demonstrate sustained improvement up to one year post-treatment.
Functional improvement: Objective measures show increased strength and spinal mobility. Progressive mobilisation helps patients overcome movement fears and regain everyday function.
Disability: getback™ therapy has been shown to produce long-term reduction in disability scores. Data from over 500 patients who completed a getback program shows an average 71 per cent reduction in the Oswestry Disability Index, and a further 12 per cent reduction after 12 months.
Data driven rehabilitation
The getback program delivers reliable, evidence-based treatment for CNSLBP by combining bio-mechanically precise devices, validated training protocols and data-driven software. It empowers patients to take control of their recovery and ensures consistent clinical outcomes.
As the impact of back pain continues to grow, getback stands out as a patient-centred, proven treatment for one of healthcare’s most persistent challenges.
