Low back pain self-management mobile applications: a systematic review on digital platforms^*

Aplicaciones móviles para el autocontrol del dolor lumbar: revisión sistemática en plataformas digitales

ABSTRACT

Objective:

To identify and analyze the features and quality of self-management support of mobile applications available in Brazil for chronic low back pain in adults.

Method:

A systematic review on the Apple Store^® and Google Play^® digital platforms. The Self-Management Support Assessment Tool scale was used to assess self-management support and the Institute for Healthcare Informatics Functionality Score scale was used to assess functionality.

Results:

Seventeen applications were selected, which included around seven self-management skills. The applications that met the majority of self-management support skills were Pathways, Branch, Pancea, Pain Navigator, and Curable. The Curable, Branch and MoovButh applications had the highest scores, with ten features on the functionality scale.

Conclusion:

Some applications have the potential to complement in-person treatment in terms of validity, acceptability and clinical usefulness in pain management. However, barriers such as lack of partnership between healthcare providers and patients, limited evidence-based content, social support, cultural relevance, cost, language, security and privacy can limit their sustained use. PROSPERO Registration: CRD42022382686.

DESCRIPTORS
Low Back Pain; Mobile Applications; Smartphone; Self-Management; Self Care