IAMABLE App for Musculoskeletal Disorders

(IAMABLE Trial)

Overseen By Lori Letts, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: McMaster University

Disqualifiers: Cognitive impairment, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 4

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a new app called IAMABLE, designed to help manage chronic conditions like joint, heart, or nerve issues. Participants will use the app for four months to determine if it improves daily function and quality of life. The trial compares this app to general health information available online. People living in certain communities with access to a computer or smartphone may be suitable if they have conditions requiring regular rehab support and find technology easy to use. The goal is to determine if this app can significantly improve self-management of health challenges. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to explore innovative ways to enhance self-care and improve quality of life.

Do I need to stop my current medications for the IAMABLE trial?

The trial protocol does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems likely that you can continue them, as the study focuses on using an app for rehabilitation.

What prior data suggests that the IAMABLE app is safe for people with chronic conditions?

Research shows that the IAMABLE app helps people manage their recovery more effectively. The app focuses on exercise, fall prevention, and managing tiredness and pain. Studies have found that IAMABLE enables people with long-term health issues to use these strategies successfully.

Using an app like IAMABLE generally poses low risk in terms of safety. It mainly provides information and tips for health management, so there are no direct physical side effects. Previous users have not reported any negative effects from using the app.

Since the trial involves an app, it focuses on improving health management rather than introducing new drugs or treatments. The app aims to support users safely and help them live better with their conditions. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the IAMABLE app for managing musculoskeletal disorders because it leverages technology to empower patients in their own care. Unlike traditional treatments that primarily involve medication or physical therapy sessions, the IAMABLE app facilitates self-management, allowing users to actively track and manage their symptoms and progress. This approach not only makes treatment more accessible but also encourages greater patient engagement and adherence, potentially leading to better outcomes. By offering personalized health insights and strategies, IAMABLE has the potential to revolutionize how individuals cope with chronic musculoskeletal issues.

What evidence suggests that the IAMABLE app is effective for musculoskeletal disorders?

Research shows that the IAMABLE app, which participants in this trial will use, may help people with long-term health conditions effectively use rehabilitation techniques. The app assists individuals in managing their recovery by offering exercises, tips to prevent falls, and ways to handle tiredness. Previous studies have not found major improvements in joint and muscle health with similar apps. However, the IAMABLE app aims to differ by providing personalized advice and encouraging user engagement. Early reviews suggest that the app can be a useful tool for those seeking to improve their quality of life and maintain independence. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Julie Richardson, PhD

Principal Investigator

McMaster University

Lori Letts, PhD

Principal Investigator

McMaster University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

The IAMABLE trial is for individuals aged 45 to 75 with at least one chronic condition such as muscle and joint pain, neurological disorders, sleep apnea, aviator's disease, cardiovascular or musculoskeletal disorders. Participants will be recruited from five communities and must not have any conditions that exclude them from the study.

Inclusion Criteria

Community-dwelling individual with access to a computer or mobile device, an email address, and ability to follow directions in English

Responds 'somewhat easily' or 'very easily' to questions on the Modified Computer Proficiency Questionnaire (MCPQ-12)

I have a chronic condition like heart disease, arthritis, or a neurological issue.

Exclusion Criteria

Scores less than 11 out of 15 on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) 5-Minute Test (Version 2.1)

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Intervention

Participants in the IAMABLE group use the app for self-management, while the control group receives general health information

4 months

Virtual interactions with the app

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for outcomes such as function, quality of life, and app usage

4 months

Data collection at 4 and 8 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• IAMABLE

Trial Overview This pilot randomized controlled trial tests the IAMABLE web-based app designed to provide evidence-based rehabilitation strategies versus general health information. Participants will use the app for four months to see if it improves their function and quality of life among other outcomes.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: IAMABLE Group Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

The IAMABLE Group will use the IAMABLE app to engage in self-management.

Group II: Control Group Placebo Group 1 Intervention

The Control Group will receive general health information.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

McMaster University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

936

Recruited

2,630,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

This study aims to systematically review and map the existing literature on mobile messaging interventions for adults with musculoskeletal pain, focusing on their efficacy, effectiveness, and economic impact, based on both experimental and observational studies.

The review will help identify optimal configurations for mobile messaging systems, including content presentation and patient preferences, to enhance support for individuals suffering from acute or chronic musculoskeletal pain.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Development and use of mobile messaging for individuals with musculoskeletal pain conditions: a scoping review protocol. Scotti Requena, S., Sterling, M., Elphinston, RA., et al.[2021]

The study aims to rigorously test the usability of the Digital Assessment Routing Tool (DART) for musculoskeletal conditions, involving 20-30 participants over 4 months to ensure it meets usability standards before clinical trials.

By optimizing DART's user experience, the goal is to create a safe and effective mobile health solution that improves patient access to care and reduces the burden on healthcare services, setting a precedent for future mobile health innovations.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Usability Testing of a Digital Assessment Routing Tool: Protocol for an Iterative Convergent Mixed Methods Study. Lowe, C., Hanuman Sing, H., Browne, M., et al.[2021]

The musculoskeletal Digital Assessment Routing Tool (DART) was successfully developed and tested with 22 adult participants, resolving all serious usability issues and achieving a high mean satisfaction score of 84.3, indicating it is user-friendly and effective for self-assessment in musculoskeletal disorders.

The study demonstrated that DART can provide immediate care recommendations without errors, paving the way for future randomized controlled trials to evaluate its safety and effectiveness compared to traditional care methods.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Usability Testing of a Digital Assessment Routing Tool for Musculoskeletal Disorders: Iterative, Convergent Mixed Methods Study. Lowe, C., Browne, M., Marsh, W., et al.[2022]

Citations

1. ctv.veeva.com ctv.veeva.com/study/iamable-implementation-and-evaluation-of-an-app-for-evidence-based-self-management-rehabilitation-s

IAMABLE: Implementation and Evaluation of an App for ... We developed a web-based app called IAMABLE (I am able), to share evidence-based rehabilitation strategies with people with chronic conditions.

2. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37368401/

Effect of an Artificial Intelligence-Based Self-Management ... Main outcomes and measures: The primary outcome was change in musculoskeletal health measured by the Musculoskeletal Health Questionnaire ...

3. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10300712/

Effect of an Artificial Intelligence–Based Self-Management ... The individually tailored app adjunct to usual care did not significantly improve musculoskeletal health more than usual care alone or nontailored web-based ...

4. humanfactors.jmir.org humanfactors.jmir.org/2024/1/e55716

An Artificial Intelligence–Based App for Self-Management of ... This study is a process evaluation aiming to explore patients' engagement and experiences with the selfBACK app and specialist health care practitioners' views.

5. researchgate.net researchgate.net/publication/363241740_Evaluation_of_a_Mobile_Application_for_Chronic_Low_Back_Pain_Management_Prospective_Pilot_Study_Preprint

(PDF) Evaluation of a Mobile Application for Chronic Low ... Results The iamable app was developed to provide rehabilitation self-management strategies in the areas of exercise, fall prevention, fatigue management ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8294797/

Using a Web-Based App to Deliver Rehabilitation ... The iamable app was developed to provide rehabilitation self-management strategies in the areas of exercise, fall prevention, fatigue management, pain ...

7. mdpi.com mdpi.com/1424-8220/24/16/5175

Musculoskeletal Disorder (MSD) Health Data Collection ... This work proposes novelty FHIR resources that allow for data capture and exchange related to physical activity, posture, wearables, and medical ...

8. researchgate.net researchgate.net/publication/350169572_Using_a_Web-Based_App_to_Deliver_Rehabilitation_Strategies_to_Persons_With_Chronic_Conditions_Development_and_Usability_Study

(PDF) Using a Web-Based App to Deliver Rehabilitation ... Results The iamable app was developed to provide rehabilitation self-management strategies in the areas of exercise, fall prevention, fatigue management ...

9. d-scholarship.pitt.edu d-scholarship.pitt.edu/46009/1/dissertation_etd_FINAL_0.pdf

An Integrated and Adaptable mHealth System to Support ... As part of the initial data analysis, enrollment and app usage data were being collected from May 1st, 2023, to January 31st, 2024. 6.4.3.1 ...

10. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10173031/

Mobile Health Self-management Support for Spinal Cord ... The objective of this systematic literature review was to identify mHealth SMS tools for SCI and summarize their characteristics and approaches to offering SMS.