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Scala L, Giglioni G, Bertazzoni L, Bonetti F. The Efficacy of the Smartphone App for the Self-Management of Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Assessment of Their Quality through the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS) in Italy. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:760. [PMID: 38929744 PMCID: PMC11204566 DOI: 10.3390/life14060760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Smartphone apps for self-management are valuable tools to help manage low back pain (LBP) patients. The purposes of this systematic review were to (a) summarize the available studies on the efficacy of smartphone apps for self-management of LBP and (b) identify free applications available in Italy that offer strategies for LBP self-management and provide a qualitative assessment using the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS). According to the Prisma Checklist, six bibliographic databases were searched with the keywords 'low back pain', 'mobile application', 'smartphone', and 'telemedicine'. In total, 852 records were screened, and 16 were included in the systematic review. Of the six RCTs included, four reported a statistically significant decrease in pain in favor of the app group, and two RCTs did not. Only in a non-RCT was there an increase in the disability score. In the application research conducted on mobile stores, we identified and rated 25 applications through MARS. The overall scores ranged from 1.93 to 3.92 for the IOS app and 1.73 to 4.25 for the Play Store app. The findings suggest that few apps meet satisfying quality, content, and functionality criteria for LBP self-management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Scala
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (G.G.); (F.B.)
- Physioup—Physiotherapy Practice, 00142 Rome, Italy
| | - Gloria Giglioni
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (G.G.); (F.B.)
- Asl Roma 3, Department of Rehabilitation, 00122 Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Bertazzoni
- Pain in Motion Research Group (PAIN), Vrije Universiteit, 1050 Brussels, Belgium;
- Painlab Studio Osteopatico, 20145 Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Bonetti
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (G.G.); (F.B.)
- Physioup—Physiotherapy Practice, 00142 Rome, Italy
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Avoke D, Elshafeey A, Weinstein R, Kim CH, Martin SS. Digital Health in Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease. Endocr Res 2024; 49:124-136. [PMID: 38605594 DOI: 10.1080/07435800.2024.2341146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Digital health technologies are rapidly evolving and transforming the care of diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD). PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW In this review, we discuss emerging approaches incorporating digital health technologies to improve patient outcomes through a more continuous, accessible, proactive, and patient-centered approach. We discuss various mechanisms of potential benefit ranging from early detection to enhanced physiologic monitoring over time to helping shape important management decisions and engaging patients in their care. Furthermore, we discuss the potential for better individualization of management, which is particularly important in diseases with heterogeneous and complex manifestations, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. This narrative review explores ways to leverage digital health technology to better extend the reach of clinicians beyond the physical hospital and clinic spaces to address disparities in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. CONCLUSION We are at the early stages of the shift to digital medicine, which holds substantial promise not only to improve patient outcomes but also to lower the costs of care. The review concludes by recognizing the challenges and limitations that need to be addressed for optimal implementation and impact. We present recommendations on how to navigate these challenges as well as goals and opportunities in utilizing digital health technology in the management of diabetes and prevention of adverse cardiovascular outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorothy Avoke
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Robert Weinstein
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Chang H Kim
- Division of Cardiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Seth S Martin
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Division of Cardiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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López-Marcos JJ, Díaz-Arribas MJ, Valera-Calero JA, Navarro-Santana MJ, Izquierdo-García J, Ortiz-Gutiérrez RM, Plaza-Manzano G. The Added Value of Face-to-Face Supervision to a Therapeutic Exercise-Based App in the Management of Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 24:567. [PMID: 38257659 PMCID: PMC10819225 DOI: 10.3390/s24020567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Low back pain (LBP) is a significant global health challenge due to its high prevalence, and chronicity and recurrence rates, with projections suggesting an increase in the next years due to population growth and aging. The chronic and recurrent nature of LBP, responsible for a significant percentage of years lived with disability, underscores the need for effective management strategies, including self-management strategies advocated by current guidelines, to empower patients and potentially improve healthcare efficiency and clinical outcomes. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the added value of face-to-face visits in patients with chronic LBP undergoing a self-management program based on therapeutic exercises on pain intensity, disability, quality of life and treatment adherence and satisfaction. A randomized clinical trial was conducted, allocating 49 patients into a experimental group with a mobile health (mHealth) app usage and face-to-face sessions and 49 patients into an active control group without face-to-face sessions. Pain intensity, disability and quality of life were assessed at baseline, 4 weeks postintervention and 12 weeks postintervention. Patients' satisfaction and adherence were assessed at the end of the study. The multivariate general model revealed no statistically significant time × group interaction for any outcome (p > 0.0068) but mental quality of life (p = 0.006). Within-group differences revealed significant improvements for all the clinical indicators (all, p < 0.001). Patients allocated to the experimental group reported greater satisfaction and adherence (both, p < 0.001) compared to the control group. The use of mHealth apps such as Healthy Back® as part of digital health initiatives may serve as a beneficial approach to enhance the management of LBP.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Javier López-Marcos
- Department of Radiology, Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Nursery, Physiotherapy and Podiatry, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (J.J.L.-M.); (J.A.V.-C.); (M.J.N.-S.); (J.I.-G.); (R.M.O.-G.); (G.P.-M.)
- Faculty of Life and Natural Sciences, Nebrija University, 28015 Madrid, Spain
| | - María José Díaz-Arribas
- Department of Radiology, Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Nursery, Physiotherapy and Podiatry, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (J.J.L.-M.); (J.A.V.-C.); (M.J.N.-S.); (J.I.-G.); (R.M.O.-G.); (G.P.-M.)
- Grupo InPhysio, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Antonio Valera-Calero
- Department of Radiology, Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Nursery, Physiotherapy and Podiatry, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (J.J.L.-M.); (J.A.V.-C.); (M.J.N.-S.); (J.I.-G.); (R.M.O.-G.); (G.P.-M.)
- Grupo InPhysio, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Marcos José Navarro-Santana
- Department of Radiology, Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Nursery, Physiotherapy and Podiatry, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (J.J.L.-M.); (J.A.V.-C.); (M.J.N.-S.); (J.I.-G.); (R.M.O.-G.); (G.P.-M.)
- Grupo InPhysio, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Izquierdo-García
- Department of Radiology, Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Nursery, Physiotherapy and Podiatry, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (J.J.L.-M.); (J.A.V.-C.); (M.J.N.-S.); (J.I.-G.); (R.M.O.-G.); (G.P.-M.)
- Multidisciplinary Cardiac Rehabilitation Unit, University Hospital 12 de Octubre, 28041 Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosa María Ortiz-Gutiérrez
- Department of Radiology, Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Nursery, Physiotherapy and Podiatry, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (J.J.L.-M.); (J.A.V.-C.); (M.J.N.-S.); (J.I.-G.); (R.M.O.-G.); (G.P.-M.)
| | - Gustavo Plaza-Manzano
- Department of Radiology, Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Nursery, Physiotherapy and Podiatry, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (J.J.L.-M.); (J.A.V.-C.); (M.J.N.-S.); (J.I.-G.); (R.M.O.-G.); (G.P.-M.)
- Grupo InPhysio, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
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Mitchaï PM, Mapinduzi J, Verbrugghe J, Michiels S, Janssens L, Kossi O, Bonnechère B, Timmermans A. Mobile technologies for rehabilitation in non-specific spinal disorders: a systematic review of the efficacy and potential for implementation in low- and middle-income countries. EUROPEAN SPINE JOURNAL : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE EUROPEAN SPINE SOCIETY, THE EUROPEAN SPINAL DEFORMITY SOCIETY, AND THE EUROPEAN SECTION OF THE CERVICAL SPINE RESEARCH SOCIETY 2023; 32:4077-4100. [PMID: 37794182 DOI: 10.1007/s00586-023-07964-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this systematic review was primarily to identify the types of mHealth technologies for the rehabilitation of non-specific spinal disorders, second to evaluate their efficacy, and finally to determine their applicability in LMICs. METHODS Three databases (Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science) were searched for randomized controlled trials and clinical trials from January 2012 until December 2022. Studies were found eligible when using mHealth technologies for the rehabilitation of non-specific spinal disorders. To evaluate efficacy, the primary outcome was pain intensity, and the secondary outcomes were disability and quality of life. To evaluate the applicability in LMICs, information about financial and geographical accessibility, offline usability, and languages was extracted. RESULTS Fifteen studies were included comprising 1828 participants who suffer from non-specific low back pain (86.05%) and non-specific neck pain (13.95%). Fourteen distinct smartphone-based interventions and two sensor system interventions were found, with a duration ranging from four weeks to six months. All mHealth interventions demonstrated efficacy for the improvement of pain, disability and quality of life in non-specific spinal disorders, particularly low back pain. Five of the evaluated smartphone applications were free of charge accessible and had language features that could be adapted for use in LMICs. CONCLUSION mHealth interventions can be used and integrated into the conventional treatment of non-specific spinal disorders in rehabilitation. They have demonstrated efficacy and could be implemented in LMICs with minor adaptations to overcome language barriers and the absolute necessity of the internet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pénielle Mahutchegnon Mitchaï
- REVAL, Rehabilitation Research Center, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
- ENATSE, National School of Public Health and Epidemiology, University of Parakou, 03 BP 10, Parakou, Benin
| | - Jean Mapinduzi
- REVAL, Rehabilitation Research Center, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
- Department of Physiotherapy, National Institute of Public Health, University of Bujumbura, Bujumbura, Burundi
| | - Jonas Verbrugghe
- REVAL, Rehabilitation Research Center, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Sarah Michiels
- REVAL, Rehabilitation Research Center, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Lotte Janssens
- REVAL, Rehabilitation Research Center, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Oyéné Kossi
- REVAL, Rehabilitation Research Center, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium.
- ENATSE, National School of Public Health and Epidemiology, University of Parakou, 03 BP 10, Parakou, Benin.
- Unit of Neurology and NeuroRehabilitation, University Hospital of Parakou, Parakou, Benin.
| | - Bruno Bonnechère
- REVAL, Rehabilitation Research Center, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
- Technology-Supported and Data-Driven Rehabilitation, Data Sciences Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Annick Timmermans
- REVAL, Rehabilitation Research Center, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
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Fabbrizio A, Fucarino A, Cantoia M, De Giorgio A, Garrido ND, Iuliano E, Reis VM, Sausa M, Vilaça-Alves J, Zimatore G, Baldari C, Macaluso F. Smart Devices for Health and Wellness Applied to Tele-Exercise: An Overview of New Trends and Technologies Such as IoT and AI. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:1805. [PMID: 37372922 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11121805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This descriptive article explores the use of smart devices for health and wellness in the context of telehealth, highlighting rapidly evolving technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Key innovations, benefits, challenges, and opportunities related to the adoption of these technologies are outlined. The article provides a descriptive and accessible approach to understanding the evolution and impact of smart devices in the tele-exercise reality. Nowadays, technological advances provide solutions that were unthinkable just a few years ago. The habits of the general population have also changed over the past few years. Hence, there is a need to investigate this issue and draw the attention of the scientific community to this topic by describing the benefits and challenges associated with each topic. If individuals no longer go to exercise, the exercise must go to their homes instead.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Fabbrizio
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, eCampus University, 22060 Novedrate, Italy
| | - Alberto Fucarino
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, eCampus University, 22060 Novedrate, Italy
| | - Manuela Cantoia
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, eCampus University, 22060 Novedrate, Italy
| | - Andrea De Giorgio
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, eCampus University, 22060 Novedrate, Italy
| | - Nuno D Garrido
- Research Center in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development, CIDESD, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Enzo Iuliano
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, eCampus University, 22060 Novedrate, Italy
| | - Victor Machado Reis
- Research Center in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development, CIDESD, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Martina Sausa
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, eCampus University, 22060 Novedrate, Italy
| | - José Vilaça-Alves
- Research Center in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development, CIDESD, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Sciences Department, University of Tras-os-Montes & Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Giovanna Zimatore
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, eCampus University, 22060 Novedrate, Italy
| | - Carlo Baldari
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, eCampus University, 22060 Novedrate, Italy
| | - Filippo Macaluso
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, eCampus University, 22060 Novedrate, Italy
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Kheirinejad S, Visuri A, Suryanarayana SA, Hosio S. Exploring mHealth applications for self-management of chronic low back pain: A survey of features and benefits. Heliyon 2023; 9:e16586. [PMID: 37346357 PMCID: PMC10279785 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e16586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The adoption of Mobile Health (mHealth) for self-management is growing. mHealth solutions are commonly used in public healthcare and health services, where they are appreciated for their ease of use, broad reach, and wide acceptance. Chronic Low Back Pain (CLBP) is one of the most common health problems and a leading cause of disability. As such, it imposes a tremendous burden on patients and society. Studies have proposed that mHealth self-management solutions, such as mobile applications, can supplement traditional care methods and benefit patients, particularly in self-managing CLBP easier. To this end, the number of available mobile applications for CLBP has increased. This paper i) provides an overview of scientific studies on mobile applications for CLBP management from three different viewpoints: researchers, health professionals, and patients, ii) uncovers the application features that were seen as beneficial in the studies, and iii) contrasts the currently available applications for CLBP in Google Play Store and Apple App Store against the discovered features. The findings show that "Personalization and customization" is the most significant feature as it is beneficial from stakeholders' viewpoint and is represented by most applications. In contrast, "Gamification" and "Artificial intelligence" are the least significant features, indicating a lack of attention from application creators and researchers in this area.
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Jang S, Lee B, Lee E, Kim J, Lee JI, Lim JY, Hwang JH, Jang S. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Effects of Rehabilitation Using Digital Healthcare on Musculoskeletal Pain and Quality of Life. J Pain Res 2023; 16:1877-1894. [PMID: 37284324 PMCID: PMC10239626 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s388757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Rehabilitation using digital healthcare (DHC) has the potential to enhance the effectiveness of treatment for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and associated pain by improving patient outcomes, while being cost-effective, safe, and measurable. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of musculoskeletal rehabilitation using DHC. We searched PubMed, Ovid-Embase, Cochrane Library, and PEDro Physiotherapy Evidence Database from inception to October 28, 2022 for controlled clinical trials comparing DHC to conventional rehabilitation. We used a random-effects model for the meta-analysis, pooling the effects of DHC on pain and quality of life (QoL) by calculating standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) between DHC rehabilitation and conventional rehabilitation (control). Fifty-four studies with 6240 participants met the inclusion criteria. The sample size ranged from 26 to 461, and the average age of the participants ranged from 21.9 to 71.8 years. The majority of the included studies focused on knee or hip joint MSD (n = 23), and the most frequently utilized DHC interventions were mobile applications (n = 26) and virtual or augmented reality (n = 16). Our meta-analysis of pain (n = 45) revealed that pain reduction was greater in DHC rehabilitation than in conventional rehabilitation (SMD: -0.55, 95% CI: -0.74, -0.36), indicating that rehabilitation using DHC has the potential to ameliorate MSD pain. Furthermore, DHC significantly improved health-related QoL and disease-specific QoL (SMD: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.29, 1.03; SMD: -0.44, 95% CI: -0.87, -0.01) compared to conventional rehabilitation. Our findings suggest that DHC offers a practical and flexible rehabilitation alternative for both patients with MSD and healthcare professionals. Nevertheless, further researches are needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms by which DHC affects patient-reported outcomes, which may vary depending on the type and design of the DHC intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suhyun Jang
- College of Pharmacy and Gachon Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gachon University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Boram Lee
- Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunji Lee
- College of Pharmacy and Gachon Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gachon University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jungbin Kim
- College of Pharmacy and Gachon Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gachon University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong In Lee
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Young Lim
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam-si, Republic of Korea
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Hye Hwang
- Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sunmee Jang
- College of Pharmacy and Gachon Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gachon University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
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