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Vacchi L, Zirone E, Strina V, Cavaletti G, Ferrarese C. Mobile Applications to Support Multiple Sclerosis Communities: The Post-COVID-19 Scenario. Telemed J E Health 2024; 30:e1615-e1628. [PMID: 38452336 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2023.0515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The increase in the use of mobile apps since the COVID-19 pandemic, even among people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) and health care providers (HCPs), has enabled access to reliable information, symptoms monitoring and management, and social connections. The pandemic has undoubtedly contributed to the acceleration of the "digital revolution." But how far has it progressed for the MS communities? Methods: Italian Google Play and App Store were queried, selecting MS-specific apps in English or Italian language and usable by a wide public. Results: Fifty-four (n = 54) MS-specific apps were identified; most were PwMS-oriented (83%), free of charge (94%), and in English language (76%). The 45 PwMS-oriented apps focused on increasing MS knowledge (71%), tracking symptoms (33%), and promoting networking with peers or HCPs (38%). The 13 HCPs-oriented tools addressed education and updates on MS (62%), disease assessment and management (54%), and research (15%). Google Search tool was also queried to find non-MS-specific apps to fulfill some unmet domains (as sleep, pain, sexual or mental health). Twenty-four additional apps were listed to provide a valuable contribution. Conclusion: The "digital revolution" led to increasingly customized tools for PwMS, especially as m-health or social-networking apps. However, apps to support other specific MS-relevant domains, appealing HCPs-oriented apps, and specific mobile tools for MS caregivers are still lacking. The absence of data assessing the usability and quality of MS apps in ecologically contexts leads to not reliable conclusions about potential benefits. A strong dialogue between MS communities and the digital industry is encouraged to fill this gap.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Vacchi
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
- Milan Center for Neuroscience-NeuroMI, Milan, Italy
| | - Eleonora Zirone
- Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Neurophysiopathology Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Veronica Strina
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Guido Cavaletti
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
- Milan Center for Neuroscience-NeuroMI, Milan, Italy
- Department of Neurology, San Gerardo Hospital, ASST Monza, Monza, Italy
| | - Carlo Ferrarese
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
- Milan Center for Neuroscience-NeuroMI, Milan, Italy
- Department of Neurology, San Gerardo Hospital, ASST Monza, Monza, Italy
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van Beek JJW, Lehnick D, Pastore-Wapp M, Wapp S, Kamm CP, Nef T, Vanbellingen T. Tablet app-based dexterity training in multiple sclerosis (TAD-MS): a randomized controlled trial. Disabil Rehabil Assist Technol 2024; 19:889-899. [PMID: 36308305 DOI: 10.1080/17483107.2022.2131915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Mobile health applications (mHealth apps) may lead to health benefits. In recent years, the use of apps in multiple sclerosis (MS) has increased. Apps to train and improve dexterity in MS are scarce. This study investigated the effectiveness of a tablet app-based home-based training to improve dexterity in individuals with MS. MATERIALS AND METHODS In a randomized controlled trial, two standardized 4-week home-based interventions focussing on different aspects of dexterity and upper limb function were compared. Assessments were done at baseline, post-intervention and 12-week follow-up. The primary endpoint was the Arm Function in Multiple Sclerosis Questionnaire, a dexterity-related measure of patient-reported activities of daily living. Secondary endpoints were dexterous function, grip strength and health-related quality of life. RESULTS Forty-eight individuals were randomly assigned to a tablet app-based program (n = 26) or a control strengthening exercise program (n = 22). No significant differences were found for the primary endpoint (p = 0.35). Some significant differences in favour of the app-group were found in fine coordinated finger movements and strength. No significant differences were found at the 12-week follow-up for all endpoints. Adherence in both groups was above 90%. CONCLUSIONS App-based training was not superior compared to a control strengthening exercise program concerning the arm- and hand function from the participant's perspective. However, app-based training was found to be effective in improving specific dimensions (finger movements and strength), and can easily be applied at home. Therefore, individuals living with MS with impaired dexterity should consider app-based training. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03369470.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith J W van Beek
- Neurocenter, Cantonal Hospital Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Health Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Dirk Lehnick
- Department of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Manuela Pastore-Wapp
- Neurocenter, Cantonal Hospital Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
- ARTORG Center for Biomedical Engineering Research, Gerontechnology & Rehabilitation Group, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Simona Wapp
- Neurocenter, Cantonal Hospital Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Christian P Kamm
- Neurocenter, Cantonal Hospital Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
- Department of Neurology, Inselspital, University Hospital Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Tobias Nef
- ARTORG Center for Biomedical Engineering Research, Gerontechnology & Rehabilitation Group, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Tim Vanbellingen
- Neurocenter, Cantonal Hospital Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
- ARTORG Center for Biomedical Engineering Research, Gerontechnology & Rehabilitation Group, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Bevens W, Weiland TJ, Gray K, Neate SL, Nag N, Simpson-Yap S, Reece J, Yu M, Jelinek GA. The Feasibility of a Web-Based Educational Lifestyle Program for People With Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Front Public Health 2022; 10:852214. [PMID: 35570898 PMCID: PMC9092338 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.852214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Modifiable lifestyle factors are important to aid people with multiple sclerosis in the self-management of their disease. Current self-management programs are limited by their face-to-face mode of delivery but there is immense potential with the internet to deliver these programs effectively. Objective The aims of this study are to assess the feasibility of a digitalized educational lifestyle self-management program for people with MS. Methods In this randomized controlled trial, people with MS were randomly allocated to participate in a 6-week tailored web-based educational lifestyle program or 6-week generic standard-care educational course, and were blinded to their allocation. Participants were recruited through multiple sclerosis (MS) Societies in four countries: Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States. The primary outcome was to assess acceptability of the program defined as percentage completion of all modules at 6-weeks post-course commencement. Secondary outcomes included evaluating participant responses to the follow-up survey across three domains: accessibility, learnability, and desirability. Results Thirty-five participants from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the US completed the baseline survey and were randomized. Four participants were deemed ineligible due to incomplete baseline data; therefore, nine out of 15 and eight out of 16 participants completed 100% of the course in the intervention and standard-care arm courses, respectively. Conclusions This study found that this web-based educational lifestyle program is a feasible means of delivering educational content to people with MS via the internet according to our a priori targets of >40% of participants in the intervention arm, and >25% in the control arm to completing 100% of the course. It is therefore appropriate to evaluate this intervention further in a large, randomized controlled trial. Trial registration This study was prospectively registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ID: ACTRN12621000245897).
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Affiliation(s)
- William Bevens
- Neuroepidemiology Unit, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, VIC, Australia
| | - Tracey J Weiland
- Neuroepidemiology Unit, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, VIC, Australia
| | - Kathleen Gray
- Centre for Digital Transformation of Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Sandra L Neate
- Neuroepidemiology Unit, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, VIC, Australia
| | - Nupur Nag
- Neuroepidemiology Unit, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, VIC, Australia
| | - Steve Simpson-Yap
- Neuroepidemiology Unit, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, VIC, Australia.,Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Jeanette Reece
- Neuroepidemiology Unit, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, VIC, Australia
| | - Maggie Yu
- Neuroepidemiology Unit, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, VIC, Australia
| | - George A Jelinek
- Neuroepidemiology Unit, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, VIC, Australia
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Bonnechère B, Rintala A, Spooren A, Lamers I, Feys P. Is mHealth a Useful Tool for Self-Assessment and Rehabilitation of People with Multiple Sclerosis? A Systematic Review. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11091187. [PMID: 34573208 PMCID: PMC8466296 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11091187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of mobile technology and mobile Internet offers new possibilities in rehabilitation and clinical assessment in a longitudinal perspective for multiple sclerosis management. However, because the mobile health applications (mHealth) have only been developed recently, the level of evidence supporting the use of mHealth in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) is currently unclear. Therefore, this review aims to list and describe the different mHealth available for rehabilitation and self-assessment of pwMS and to define the level of evidence supporting these interventions for functioning problems categorized within the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). In total, 36 studies, performed with 22 different mHealth, were included in this review, 30 about rehabilitation and six for self-assessment, representing 3091 patients. For rehabilitation, most of the studies were focusing on cognitive function and fatigue. Concerning the efficacy, we found a small but significant effect of the use of mHealth for cognitive training (Standardized Mean Difference (SMD) = 0.28 [0.12; 0.45]) and moderate effect for fatigue (SMD = 0.61 [0.47; 0.76]). mHealth is a promising tool in pwMS but more studies are needed to validate these solutions in the other ICF categories. More replications studies are also needed as most of the mHealth have only been assessed in one single study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Bonnechère
- REVAL-Rehabilitation Research Center, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hasselt University, B-3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium; (A.S.); (I.L.); (P.F.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Aki Rintala
- Faculty of Social Services and Health Care, LAB University of Applied Sciences, FI-15210 Lahti, Finland;
| | - Annemie Spooren
- REVAL-Rehabilitation Research Center, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hasselt University, B-3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium; (A.S.); (I.L.); (P.F.)
| | - Ilse Lamers
- REVAL-Rehabilitation Research Center, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hasselt University, B-3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium; (A.S.); (I.L.); (P.F.)
- University MS Center Hasselt-Pelt, B-3500 Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Peter Feys
- REVAL-Rehabilitation Research Center, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hasselt University, B-3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium; (A.S.); (I.L.); (P.F.)
- University MS Center Hasselt-Pelt, B-3500 Hasselt, Belgium
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