Developing a Content Model of a Mobile-Based Application to Manage Patients with Low-Back and Neck Pain

Area of Science:

• Digital Health
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Mobile Health Applications

Background:

• Mobile applications are increasingly used as complementary tools in healthcare.
• There is a growing need for effective digital solutions to manage chronic pain conditions like low-back and neck pain.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and validate a content model for a mobile-based application.
• The application aims to manage patients experiencing low-back and neck pain.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive-analytical study was conducted in two stages.
• Stage one involved identifying exercises, pain assessment scales, and app features.
• Stage two involved expert validation of the content model using the Content Validity Ratio (CVR).

Main Results:

• The validated content model includes 8 back pain exercises and 3 neck pain exercises.
• A 10-item Functional Rating Index (FRI) scale was selected for pain intensity assessment.
• The model incorporates 12 features, including daily exercise logs, animations, and audio instructions.

Conclusions:

• The evidence-based content model, validated by experts, addresses gaps in existing applications.
• It focuses on exercise adherence, proper technique, conservative treatment, and progress monitoring.
• This model provides a foundation for developing new mobile apps for low-back and neck pain management.