Mobile App for Postoperative Recovery

Overseen By David Gargano, PA-C

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Yale University

Disqualifiers: Severe cognitive impairment, Neurologic paralysis, Unstable medical conditions, Open wounds, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 3-5 days

100 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a mobile app to determine if it aids recovery after orthopedic surgery, such as hip or knee replacement. Participants will either use the app for in-bed conditioning exercises or follow the usual care without it. The trial aims to discover if the app can improve recovery outcomes. Individuals who have undergone surgeries like hip or knee replacements and can use a mobile app for exercise are well-suited for this study. As an unphased trial, this study allows participants to contribute to innovative research that could enhance recovery for future patients.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

What prior data suggests that this mobile app is safe for postoperative recovery?

Research shows that mobile apps can be safe tools for recovery after surgery. One study found that a mobile app for in-bed exercises was well-received by most patients, who found it easy and enjoyable to use. Another study on a similar app found that it increased the frequency of exercise among patients. However, this did not improve physical performance or reduce stress for caregivers.

While these studies do not report any serious safety issues, they focus more on the app's usefulness rather than side effects. As a mobile app, not a drug or medical device, the risk of physical harm is likely low. The main concern is ensuring that the app's instructions are clear and easy to follow, so users can safely perform the exercises. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Mobile App for Postoperative Recovery because it offers a novel approach to enhancing recovery after surgery. Unlike traditional postoperative care, which often relies solely on standard in-person rehabilitation and physical therapy, this app provides patients with a convenient tool for in-bed conditioning exercises. This digital approach allows for greater accessibility and consistency in performing exercises, potentially speeding up recovery times and improving overall outcomes. By integrating technology into recovery, the app could transform how patients engage with their rehabilitation process.

What evidence suggests that this mobile app is effective for postoperative recovery?

This trial will compare the use of a mobile app for in-bed conditioning exercises with usual postoperative care. Studies have shown that using a mobile app for exercises in bed can enhance recovery after surgery. Research indicates that patients using similar apps report improved movement and physical therapy outcomes. In another study, a mobile app accelerated recovery and improved functional ability. Users also felt more confident about their recovery. Early evidence suggests that these apps can lead to small but meaningful improvements in postoperative recovery. ^{1 2 6 7 8}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Rajiv S Vasudevan, M.D.

Principal Investigator

Yale University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for English-speaking patients who've had low-energy hip fractures, knee/hip replacements, or spinal fusion without paralysis. Participants must be able to use a mobile app for physical therapy and commit to lifestyle guidelines during the study.

Inclusion Criteria

I have signed and dated the consent form.

I can read and speak English.

I agree to follow the study's lifestyle guidelines.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants use a mobile application for in-bed conditioning exercises post-surgery

3-5 days

Daily in-person monitoring during hospital stay

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

90 days

Extension

Physical therapist feedback and patient compliance are evaluated to assess long-term feasibility

up to 120 days

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• App for in-bed conditioning exercises

Trial Overview The study tests if a mobile app with in-bed exercises can improve recovery after orthopedic surgeries compared to usual care. It aims to see how well patients do with the app's guided activities versus standard postoperative practices.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Enhanced Care Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

Post-operative usual care where patients will receive standard care plus the use of a tool.

Group II: Usual Care Active Control 1 Intervention

Post-operative usual care where patients will receive standard care alone.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Yale University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,963

Recruited

3,046,000+

Citations

1. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06407427

Study Details | NCT06407427 | Evaluating the Efficacy of a ... The study aims to assess the effectiveness of a mobile app-based tool in improving conditioning, mobility, and physical therapy performance among patients ...

2. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-postoperative-rehabilitation-5-2024-15d7e

Mobile App for Postoperative Recovery This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a mobile application in improving postoperative rehabilitation outcomes among patients undergoing orthopedic ...

3. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10373373/

Patients' experiences of using a mobile application-based ... Patient users reported positive experiences using the mobile app-based rehabilitation programme that was based on the self-efficacy theory and Illeris model ...

4. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10406639/

Use of mobile app to enhance functional outcomes and ... The aim of this study was to test the effectiveness of mobile app in delivering home-based rehabilitation program for improving functional outcomes and reducing ...

5. mhealth.jmir.org mhealth.jmir.org/2025/1/e58703

The Effectiveness of the Be Prepared mHealth App on ... This study shows that the use of the Be Prepared app led to a small statistically significant improvement in the postoperative recovery of PF ...

6. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0976566224002261

Patient experiences with a smartphone application ... We have demonstrated that the use of the 'PostOp' smartphone app was well received by most patients in this cohort using our survey.

7. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12143736/

The Effectiveness of the Be Prepared mHealth App on ... The Be Prepared app is a smartphone app with pre- and postoperative information and instructions on changing risk behavior for patients ...

8. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0738399125006299

Mobile app-based pain management education for ... This paper analyzes the educational content of the MinSmerte (MyPain) app, designed to educate patients on postoperative pain management after ambulatory ...