Mobile health applications for the self-management of musculoskeletal pain: A systematic review of online stores in Brazil.

INTRODUCTION

Musculoskeletal (MSK) pain is a common and disabling condition. In Brazil, the prevalence of MSK pain ranges from 21 % to 76 % with social and economic impacts. Mobile health (mHealth) applications (apps) have potential for aiding MSK pain treatment. Assessing their quality and usage is crucial to guarantee patient safety and intervention efficacy. The aim of this systematic review was to identify mHealth apps for self-management of MSK pain available in Brazilian online stores. The quality of the apps was also assessed.

METHODS

Searches at App Store and Google Play were performed in December/2024. Apps in Portuguese, with no restrictions of price, involving self-management of MSK pain were included. The quality of apps was assessed with the Mobile Health App Rating Scale (MARS). Two reviewers conducted the search, screening and mHealth assessment. This systematic review was previously registered at PROSPERO (CRD42024626484).

RESULTS

Of the 12,639 apps identified, 36 met the inclusion criteria (App Store = 5 and Google Play = 31). Among the included apps, 41.5 % approached exercises, 26.4 % education or counseling, 15.1 % symptom tracking and notes/logbook, and 1.9 % self-massage. The mean MARS score for the 36 apps was 3.87 ± 0.20 (ranging from 2.75 to 4.39 points).

CONCLUSION

This systematic review identified 36 apps with quality ranging from poor to excellent. The highest-scoring apps may be recommended for individuals with MSK pain with caution, as some do not provide all necessary resources for the assessment and follow-up in this population. Further studies are necessary to evaluate the efficacy and effectiveness of mHealth apps.