Study overview
People living in rural areas can face additional barriers to MSK care, including travel burden, limited local provider availability, and difficulty accessing consistent physical therapy. This study evaluated whether engagement and outcomes in a complete remote digital MSK care program differed between urban and rural participants across the United States.
The analysis assessed engagement, satisfaction, and improvements in pain, mental health, and productivity. The goal was to understand whether a remote care model could support both urban and rural members without creating meaningful gaps in participation or outcomes.
Key findings
Engagement was high in both urban and rural groups
Participants in both urban and rural areas engaged with the remote digital care program. This is important because access is only meaningful if members can actually participate in care.
Clinical outcomes improved across geographies
The study evaluated pain, mental health, and productivity outcomes, with improvements observed across urban and rural participants.
Satisfaction supported acceptability
The analysis included satisfaction as a key measure, helping assess whether remote care was acceptable across different geographic contexts.
Digital care may help reduce geographic access barriers
By delivering care remotely, the program may help people receive guided MSK treatment without the same travel and scheduling demands associated with in-person care.
Why this study matters
This study supports the access and equity case for digital MSK care. Rural access gaps are a major challenge in physical therapy and rehabilitation, and a remote model must be evaluated on whether it works outside dense urban markets.
The findings suggest that a complete digital MSK care program can engage and support members across urban and rural settings. The study should be framed as evidence of broad geographic feasibility and outcomes, not as proof that all rural care barriers have been eliminated.
About the author
Fabiola Costa
Senior Director of Clinical Research, Sword Health
