Mobile health applications for the rehabilitation of people with spinal cord injury: a scoping review.

BACKGROUND

Individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) face complex and ongoing rehabilitation needs. In this context, mobile health applications have emerged as promising tools to support self-management and rehabilitation.

OBJECTIVE

To map and characterize mobile applications specifically developed to support rehabilitation of individuals with SCI.

METHODS

A scoping review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A systematic search was performed across five electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and CINAHL). Studies published between 2015 and 2024 describing the use of mobile applications in the rehabilitation of adults with SCI were included.

RESULTS

A total of 24 studies were included. We synthesized the identified applications descriptively into four domains: self-management and health education; gamification and motivation for physical rehabilitation; monitoring and prevention of secondary complications; and assistive technology and advanced rehabilitation. A consistent adoption of user-centered design principles was observed. Despite high levels of reported usability, challenges remain regarding long-term engagement, technological complexity, and sustained adherence.

CONCLUSION

Mobile applications represent a promising complementary resource to support rehabilitation and health management in individuals with SCI. However, more robust longitudinal studies with larger sample sizes are required to assess the clinical impact and long-term feasibility of these interventions.