Introduction: Low back pain (LBP) is a growing health concern in Australia and globally. Active lifestyle management programs incorporating exercise, healthy diet and sleep, and pain education are effective in improving health outcomes and encouraging self-management approaches. Mobile health applications (apps) have emerged as useful tools to deliver LBP care; however, consumer, expert, and patient involvement in designing, promoting, and implementing person-centered digital approaches are currently limited.
Objectives: Describe the process of a mobile app to support a lifestyle-based self-management intervention for people with LBP.
Methods: After conducting a scoping review of the literature, recent evidence from previous clinical trials, experts, and consumer participation, we developed the MyBackExercise app. The app contains four modules, related to exercise, diet, sleep, and education, which will be presented using a combination of text, videos, audio, and images. To ensure the effective development and evaluation of a mobile app, we have strategically engaged stakeholders, experts, and consumers in a structured manner. We will utilise a user-centred design approach to collect qualitative and quantitative data by getting people to interact with the app to determine user satisfaction and to identify any potential usability issues.
Discussion: Involving patients, consumers, and experts in the development of a LBP mobile app is a crucial step in ensuring that the app meets user needs, is user-friendly and provides value proposition. The description of the development process will demonstrate the evidence-based approach taken to ensure the suitability of the modules and provides transparency in the developmental process of the intervention to manage people with LBP.