Using a mobile app to improve physical therapy outcomes for musculoskeletal pain

Examining the Feasibility and Effectiveness of an mHealth Solution Designed to Enhance Clinical Outcomes Among Patients Attending Physical Therapy for Musculoskeletal Pain

['FUNDING_R21'] · JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY · NIH-10952496

This study is looking at how a mobile app can help people with musculoskeletal pain get more out of their physical therapy by making it easier for them to follow their exercise routines and stay connected with their therapists.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R21']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorJOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10952496 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how a mobile health solution can enhance the effectiveness of physical therapy for patients suffering from musculoskeletal pain. By integrating a mobile application into the physical therapy process, therapists can assign exercises, monitor patient adherence, and track progress through patient-reported surveys. The goal is to improve patient engagement with their home exercise programs, which is crucial for achieving better health outcomes and reducing reliance on invasive procedures or opioids. This approach leverages new remote therapeutic monitoring codes to facilitate better communication and support between patients and therapists.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing musculoskeletal pain who are currently receiving or are eligible for physical therapy.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions that do not involve musculoskeletal pain or those who are not engaged in physical therapy may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved pain management and reduced disability for patients undergoing physical therapy.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that mobile health interventions can significantly improve patient engagement and outcomes in various healthcare settings, suggesting a promising potential for this approach.

Where this research is happening

BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.