Low back pain self-management mobile applications: a systematic review on digital platforms

Objective: To identify and analyze the features and quality of self -management support of mobile applications available in Brazil for chronic low back pain in adults. Method: A systematic review on the Apple Store (R) and Google Play (R) digital platforms. The SelfManagement Support Assessment Tool scale was used to assess self -management support and the Institute for Healthcare Informatics Functionality Score scale was used to assess functionality. Results: Seventeen applications were selected, which included around seven self -management skills. The applications that met the majority of self -management support skills were Pathways, Branch, Pancea, Pain Navigator, and Curable. The Curable, Branch and MoovButh applications had the highest scores, with ten features on the functionality scale. Conclusion: Some applications have the potential to complement in -person treatment in terms of validity, acceptability and clinical usefulness in pain management. However, barriers such as lack of partnership between healthcare providers and patients, limited evidence -based content, social support, cultural relevance, cost, language, security and privacy can limit their sustained use. PROSPERO Registration: CRD42022382686.