Using a mobile app to improve physical therapy outcomes for musculoskeletal pain
Official title: Examining the Feasibility and Effectiveness of an mHealth Solution Designed to Enhance Clinical Outcomes Among Patients Attending Physical Therapy for Musculoskeletal Pain
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-10952496 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $128,211 |
| NIH project number | 1R21HS030158-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10952496 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing musculoskeletal pain who are currently receiving or are eligible for physical therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions that do not involve musculoskeletal pain or those who are not engaged in physical therapy may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mclaughlin, Kevin — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Mclaughlin, Kevin
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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mHealth tool to boost physical therapy outcomes for adults with musculoskeletal pain
A mobile health app is being tested to help adults in physical therapy stay on track with home exercises and improve pain and function.
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Mobile app to support home exercises during physical therapy for muscle or joint pain
This project uses a phone app to help people in physical therapy for muscle or joint pain follow their home exercise program and track their progress.
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Combining physical therapy with mindfulness for chronic pain patients on opioids
This study is looking at how combining mindfulness practices with physical therapy can help people with chronic pain who are using long-term opioids, making it easier for them to manage their pain and reduce their reliance on medication in a friendly and supportive setting.
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Biopsychosocial factors in pediatric chronic musculoskeletal pain
A study at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital will look at how biological, psychological, and social factors contribute to chronic muscle and joint pain in young people to find better ways to help them.
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Improving back-pain care in rural areas with tele-physical therapy
This project tests a tele-rehabilitation program to help adults with chronic low back pain in rural communities access physical therapy and reduce opioid use.
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Nonaddictive pain-relief prodrug gel for joint and musculoskeletal pain
A new, nonaddictive pain-relief gel uses a hydromorphone prodrug that stays at the site of pain to reduce pain without strong addiction risk.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.