Using a mobile app to enhance thermal treatment effectiveness
Validation of a Mobile App as an Adjuvant Treatment for Thermal Context Patients: a Randomized Controlled Trial Protocol
This study is testing whether a smartphone app can help people getting thermal therapy feel better and manage their treatment more effectively compared to standard care.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 30 Years to 90 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | ISAVE- Instituto Superior de Saúde Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Amares, Braga) |
| Trial ID | NCT05970835 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effectiveness of a smartphone app, HealthSmArt_ISAVE, as an adjuvant treatment for patients undergoing thermal therapy at Complexo Termal de Caldelas in Portugal. It employs a single-blinded, parallel two-arm randomized controlled design over a 12-month intervention period, comparing the app's impact on self-management and clinical assessment against standard treatment. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the app intervention group or a control group, with data collected by a blinded research assistant to ensure objectivity. The study aims to fill the gap in follow-up care and assessment for patients who utilize health tourism services.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults with chronic musculoskeletal or respiratory issues who are receiving treatment at the thermal complex.
Not a fit: Patients with recent steroid injections, pregnancy, or significant cognitive impairment may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve patient self-management and treatment outcomes for those receiving thermal therapy.
How similar studies have performed: While the integration of digital technologies in healthcare is gaining traction, this specific approach to enhancing thermal treatment through a mobile app is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults, in treatment at Complexo Termal de Caldelas- Amares, Portugal, * with chronic musculoskeletal problems * respiratory issues * with satisfactory cognitive analysis for exercise Exclusion Criteria: * having received intramuscular or intraarticular steroid injections within 4 weeks, pregnancy, moderate or severe cognitive impairment
Where this trial is running
Amares, Braga
- Isave — Amares, Braga, Portugal (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Andrea Ribeiro, PhD — Isave- Cics
- Study coordinator: Andrea Ribeiro, PhD
- Email: andrea.ribeiro@isave.pt
- Phone: +351967441378
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.