SELF-MANAGEMENT OF LOW BACK PAIN USING THE M-HEALTH EXERCISE PROGRAM

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effects of an exercise program (mHealth) delivered using a mobile application (APP) on pain, function, and quality of life in patients with low back pain. Methods: This was an interventional study that included 51 patients with low back pain. The participants were divided into a control group (n = 24) that did not undergo any type of intervention, and intervention group (n = 27) which completed a protocol of exercises and educational videos via APP for two months. The participants in both groups were assessed at baseline and two months later using a visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and EQ-5D questionnaire. Results: The participants in the intervention group had a significant reduction in pain with mean difference for VAS was 1.82 (95% CI: 0.96, 2.66; p = 0.0002), improved function with 5.41 for ODI (95% CI: 1.32, 9.50; p = 0.012), and quality of life with EQ-5D equal to -0.14 (95%: -0.20, -0.08; p = 0.0001) compared to the control group, which had no significant changes. Conclusion: The mHealth exercise program was effective in reducing pain and improving the function and quality of life in patients with low back pain.