Physiotherapy in your pocket

Using apps to support functional rehabilitation

2023-05-31

(Press-News.org) Apps have become ubiquitous in many parts of life, including for health. For people with an RMD, personalized video exercises (PEV) may be useful to support rehabilitation and physical exercise.

In an abstract shared at the 2023 EULAR annual congress, Davergne and colleagues explore the effectiveness of PEV provided through Apps in supporting rehabilitation for people with disability. The impact was measured in terms of a range of outcomes, including the effect on functional capacity, confidence in exercise performance, use of care, health-related quality of life, adherence, and adverse events.

Data were collected in a systematic review of randomized controlled trials which evaluated the effect of Apps providing PEV to support physical rehabilitation for any RMD. The primary outcome was functional capacity at the end of the intervention.

In total, 7 articles were included, representing data from 906 participants, 93% of whom were adults. The Apps used in these studies were mostly commercial, and 80% of the videos included content from a physiotherapist. The duration of App use ranged from 3 to 48 weeks.

Low-quality evidence suggested the use of Apps providing PEV led to a significant, but small-to-moderate improvement in physical function, confidence in exercise performance, quality of life, and adherence. However, use of Apps providing PEV did not influence rate of adverse events experienced by people taking part in the trials.

Whilst these results are interesting, the authors note that the level of evidence was low. More robust studies are needed to confirm these findings in people with RMD, and to work out which features of Apps and PEV have the greatest impact.

Source:

Davergne T, et al. The effectiveness of digital applications providing personalized exercise videos in individuals with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases: a systematic review with meta-analysis. Presented at EULAR 2023; Abstract OP0092-HPR.

About EULAR
EULAR is the European umbrella organisation representing scientific societies, health professional associations and organisations for people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs). EULAR aims to reduce the impact of RMDs on individuals and society, as well as improve RMD treatments, prevention, and rehabilitation. To this end, EULAR fosters excellence in rheumatology education and research, promotes the translation of research advances into daily care, and advocates for the recognition of the needs of those living with RMDs by EU institutions.

Contact
EULAR Communications, communications@eular.org

Notes to Editors
EULAR Recommendations
EULAR School of Rheumatology
EULAR Press Releases

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