Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 10, 2025
Biomechanical Changes Related to Low Back Pain: An Innovative Tool for Movement Pattern Assessment and Treatment Evaluation in Rehabilitation
Published on: December 13, 2024
A multicenter trial-based economic evaluation of a mobile health intervention for individuals with chronic
Maria Augusta de Araújo Mota1, Tarson Brito Landolfi2, Marina Cardoso de Melo Silva1
1Núcleo de Evidências e Tecnologias em Saúde (NETecS), Universidade de Brasília (UnB), Campus UnB Ceilândia, Brasília, Brazil.
Background:
Chronic non-specific low back pain (CNLBP) is a prevalent and costly condition that encourages research into self-management strategies. Mobile health (mhealth) applications are promising interventions, but current evidence on their effectiveness is still conflicting. The aim is to investigate the (cost-)effectiveness of a supervised and personalized mhealth intervention, compared with conventional exercise therapy in individuals with CNLBP.
Methods:
A multicentre trial-based economic evaluation was designed to compare a mhealth intervention with conventional exercise. Participants will be recruited from two physical therapy rehabilitation clinics located within the participating centres. Adults aged between 18 and 59 years and with self-reported LBP > 12 weeks will be included. Following the collection of baseline data, participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups using a permuted block randomization: (1) mhealth; (2) Conventional exercise delivered through a booklet. Outcome assessments will be conducted following randomisation at five distinct time points, resulting in a total follow-up period of 12 months. The primary clinical outcome is disability (Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire), while secondary outcomes include pain (NRS), utility (Eq. 5D5L), fears and beliefs (FABQ), self-efficacy (PSEQ), and global perceived effect. A sample size of 146 participants was estimated (73 allocated to each group) to detect a 2-point between-groups difference on disability. A cost-effectiveness study will be conducted alongside the trial, comparing the two interventions in terms of costs and clinical outcomes.
Discussion:
While mhealth applications show promise as interventions for people with LBP, there is still a gap regarding the type of delivery and personalisation strategies. This study investigates whether the implementation of stratified and tailored care within a mobile application, based on patient-reported outcome measures and supervised by a physiotherapist, is (cost-)effective.
Trial Registration:
NCT06651099 (registration date 21/10/2024).
