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Assessment of the quality of mobile applications (Apps) for management of low back pain using the mobile app rating scale (mars).

Escriche-Escuder, A., De-Torres, I., Roldán-Jiménez, C., Martín-Martín, J., Muro-Culebras, A., González-Sánchez, M., Ruiz-Muñoz, M., Mayoral-Cleries, F., Biró, A., Tang, W., Nikolova, B., Salvatore, A. and Cuesta-Vargas, A.I., 2020. Assessment of the quality of mobile applications (Apps) for management of low back pain using the mobile app rating scale (mars). International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17 (24), -.

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DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17249209

Abstract

Digital health interventions may improve different behaviours. However, the rapid proliferation of technological solutions often does not allow for a correct assessment of the quality of the tools. This study aims to review and assess the quality of the available mobile applications (apps) related to interventions for low back pain. Two reviewers search the official stores of Android (Play Store) and iOS (App Store) for localisation in Spain and the United Kingdom, in September 2019, searching for apps related to interventions for low back pain. Seventeen apps finally are included. The quality of the apps is measured using the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS). The scores of each section and the final score of the apps are retrieved and the mean and standard deviation obtained. The average quality ranges between 2.83 and 4.57 (mean 3.82) on a scale from 1 (inadequate) to 5 (excellent). The best scores are found in functionality (4.7), followed by aesthetic content (mean 4.1). Information (2.93) and engagement (3.58) are the worst rated items. Apps generally have good overall quality, especially in terms of functionality and aesthetics. Engagement and information should be improved in most of the apps. Moreover, scientific evidence is necessary to support the use of applied health tools.

Item Type:Article
ISSN:1661-7827
Additional Information:This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Health for Exercise Prescription in Health and Disease
Uncontrolled Keywords:application (app); exercise; mHealth; Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS); low back pain
Group:Faculty of Science & Technology
ID Code:35015
Deposited By: Symplectic RT2
Deposited On:05 Jan 2021 08:08
Last Modified:14 Mar 2022 14:25

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