How Can Mobile Health Be Taken Up Within Physiotherapy? An Exploratory Study of an ACL Rehabilitation App

Purpose: To determine the gaps, barriers, and opportunities in applying mobile health (mHealth) to physiotherapy. Method: Twelve semi-structured interviews were conducted with adults who had undergone anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) and had utilized a mobile app as part of their post-surgical rehabilitation. Qualitative data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s Thematic Analysis and a socio-ecological model. Participants also completed a System Usability Scale (SUS) and a digital literacy questionnaire. Results: The app scored an average of 85 and a letter grade of A on the SUS. The app supported rehabilitation at the intrapersonal level. Average session duration was 30 minutes; app use lasted an average of 6 months; and adherence was increased. At the interpersonal level, the app facilitated relationships with physiotherapists. The app provided indirect support at institutional and policy levels. Conclusions: Utilizing a socio-ecological model, this study identified how an app can facilitate ACLR rehabilitation and indicated barriers that cannot be addressed through an app. Overall, rehabilitation at the intrapersonal level and interpersonal levels is supported. However, barriers at higher levels were not addressed.