An Investigation Into the Use of mHealth in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy: Scoping Review

Abstract

Background Musculoskeletal physiotherapy provides conservative management for a range of conditions. Currently, there is a lack of engagement with exercise programs because of the lack of supervision and low self-efficacy. The use of mobile health (mHealth) interventions could be a possible solution to this problem, helping promote self-management at home. However, there is little evidence for musculoskeletal physiotherapy on the most effective forms of mHealth. Objective The aim of this review is to investigate the literature focusing on the use of mHealth in musculoskeletal physiotherapy and summarize the evidence. Methods A scoping review of 6 peer-reviewed databases was conducted in March 2021. No date limits were applied, and only articles written in the English language were selected. A reviewer screened all the articles, followed by 2 additional researchers screening a random sample before data extraction. Results Of the 1393 studies, 28 (2.01%) were identified. Intervention characteristics comprised stretching and strengthening exercises, primarily for degenerative joint pain and spinal conditions (5/28, 18%). The most reported use of mHealth included telephone and videoconferencing calls to provide a home exercise program or being used as an adjunct to physiotherapy musculoskeletal assessment (14/28, 50%). Although patient satisfaction with mHealth was reported to be high, reasons for disengagement included a lack of high-quality information and poor internet speeds. Barriers to clinical uptake included insufficient training with the intervention and a lack of time to become familiar. Conclusions mHealth has some benefits regarding treatment adherence and can potentially be as effective as normal physiotherapy care while being more cost-effective. The current use of mHealth is most effective when ongoing feedback from a health care professional is available.

Telerehabilitation for upper limb disabilities: a scoping review on functions, outcomes, and evaluation methods

“…Different studies [ 42 , 43 ] suggest that patients prefer individualized, supervised exercise programs with a therapist's opinion. In addition to web-based software, the development of mobile-based telerehabilitation applications can provide patients with personalized and supervised exercise programs and input from therapists [ 44 ]. There is evidence that using mobile apps with therapist input, particularly the ability to set and monitor the quality of exercise completion [ 33 ], leads to higher adherence rates and thus improves musculoskeletal functions than traditional paper handouts.…”

Effect of a mHealth exercise intervention compared with supervised exercise therapy in osteoarthritis management: protocol of the DigiOA trial

“…Previous studies have found the use of digital interventions in OA care and musculoskeletal physiotherapy to be potentially as effective as standard treatment. 25 40 If deemed to be non-inferior, further integration of digital exercise programmes in the treatment of patients with OA could fulfil the requirement of a personalised treatment approach, creating an option for greater empowerment of the patient. 41 The use of digital solutions may contribute to a sustainable healthcare system in the future.…”

“…19 20 Digital health solutions involving web applications, online platforms, telephone and video consultations have shown positive results in the management of OA. [21][22][23][24][25][26] Mobile health (mHealth) is a subset of digital health, involving the use mobile technologies and devices in healthcare, including mobile health applications. 27 The development of mobile health applications is progressing rapidly, with a potential to reach a large part of the OA patient population.…”

“…Integrating the use of technology could be a solution to ensure effective management of the disease at a lower cost and with a potential to reach more patients 19 20. Digital health solutions involving web applications, online platforms, telephone and video consultations have shown positive results in the management of OA 21–26. Mobile health (mHealth) is a subset of digital health, involving the use mobile technologies and devices in healthcare, including mobile health applications 27.…”

“…Mobile health (mHealth) is a subset of digital health, involving the use mobile technologies and devices in healthcare, including mobile health applications 27. The development of mobile health applications is progressing rapidly, with a potential to reach a large part of the OA patient population 19 25. Among the developments are applications for generic digital exercise programmes, such as the Virtual Training (VT) application.…”