A Mobile App for Measuring Real Time Fatigue in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis: Introducing the Fimo Health App

Abstract

Although fatigue is one of the most disabling symptoms of MS, its pathogenesis is not well understood yet. This study aims to introduce a new holistic approach to measure fatigue and its influencing factors via a mobile app. Fatigue is measured with different patient-reported outcome measures (Visual Analog Scale, Fatigue Severity Scale) and tests (Symbol Digit Modalities Test). The influencing vital and environmental factors are captured with a smartwatch and phone sensors. Patients can track these factors within the app. To individually counteract their fatigue, a fatigue course, based on the current treatment guidelines, was implemented. The course implies knowledge about fatigue and MS, exercises, energy-conservation management, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Based on the Transtheoretical Model of Behavior Change, the design of the Fimo health app follows the ten strategies of the process of change, which is a proven approach to designing health intervention programs. By monitoring fatigue and individual influencing factors, patients can better understand and manage their fatigue. They can share their data and insights about fatigue and its influencing factors with their doctors. Thus, they can receive individualized therapies and drug plans.

A mobile app (IDoThis) for multiple sclerosis self-management: development and initial evaluation

“…In addition, dedicated apps for fatigue management should be developed, as fatigue in MS patients can be directly due to mechanisms of MS disease or the consequence of various secondary causes such as mood, depression, stress, sleep disorders, pain, muscle weakness, temperature, or side effects of medications. Fatigue in people with MS is considered highly individual [ 62 , 63 ].…”

Management of multiple sclerosis fatigue in the digital age: from assessment to treatment

“…Fatigue may result in a significant economic burden related to high absence rates at work, unemployment, and the need for disability pensions (Oliva Ramirez et al, 2021 ). Frequently, it leads to a reduction in working hours and productivity, unemployment, or even early retirement (Braley and Chervin, 2010 ; Schiavolin et al, 2013 ; Mäcken et al, 2021 ). Fatigue may cause working MS patients to quit their jobs around 3 years after the diagnosis (García-Domínguez et al, 2019 ).…”

“…As previously mentioned, fatigued MS patients tend to isolate and give up any kind of interaction, fearing the effects fatigue might have on them. An interesting aim of this app is to develop symptom-coping strategies and overcome daily limitations due to fatigue (Mäcken et al, 2021 ; Fimo Health GmbH, 2022 ).…”

Gender differences in professional drivers’ fatigue level measured with BAlert mobile app: A psychophysiological, time efficient, accessible, and innovative approach to fatigue management

“…Mobile Health (mhealth) is a reality with a bright future in the treatment of pain, psychological distress, weariness, and sleep ( Hernandez Silva et al, 2019 ). There are currently apps that use self-report and test measurements to detect fatigue in clinical populations ( Mäcken et al, 2021 ). In addition, real-time facial and eye tracking is being used in drivers ( Abulkhair et al, 2015 ).…”