@Article{info:doi/10.2196/33609,
author="Agnew, Jonathon M R
and Hanratty, Catherine E
and McVeigh, Joseph G
and Nugent, Chris
and Kerr, Daniel P",
title="An Investigation Into the Use of mHealth in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy: Scoping Review",
journal="JMIR Rehabil Assist Technol",
year="2022",
month="Mar",
day="11",
volume="9",
number="1",
pages="e33609",
keywords="physiotherapy; musculoskeletal; mHealth; rehabilitation; scoping review; mobile phone",
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. ",
issn="2369-2529",
doi="10.2196/33609",
url="https://rehab.jmir.org/2022/1/e33609",
url="https://doi.org/10.2196/33609",
url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35275089"
}