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"My Back Exercise App"-mHealth for Low Back Pain: Development and Usability Testing.
Josielli Comachio1, Carlos Ivan Mesa-Castrillon1,2, Paula R Beckenkamp1
1Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050 Australia.
Journal of Healthcare Informatics Research
|February 3, 2025
Summary
A new mobile health app, My Back Exercise, was developed using a user-centered approach to help manage chronic low back pain (LBP). Usability testing showed positive results, indicating its potential as a holistic self-management tool for LBP.
Area of Science:
- Digital Health
- Behavioral Science
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Chronic low back pain (LBP) management necessitates lifestyle changes.
- Mobile health (mHealth) apps can support LBP self-management.
- Existing mHealth apps often lack scientific rigor.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate the usability of the 'My Back Exercise' mHealth app.
- To create a scientifically rigorous, user-centered digital tool for chronic LBP.
- To integrate evidence-based health education and behavior change theories into an mHealth application.
Main Methods:
- App development followed the Double Diamond framework and SDLC.
- Behavior change theory informed the app's design for promoting healthy habits.
- Usability testing involved ten users, utilizing SUS and MARS, and a think-aloud protocol.
Main Results:
- The 'My Back Exercise' app achieved a high System Usability Scale (SUS) score of 79/100.
- The app received a favorable Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS) score of 3.7/5.0.
- Key features included exercises, sleep management, diet, and pain education.
Conclusions:
- The 'My Back Exercise' app is a well-received, holistic tool for chronic LBP self-management.
- The study offers a transparent development roadmap for evidence-based digital health tools.
- This mHealth approach supports individuals in adopting healthy lifestyle habits for LBP.
