THE USE OF MOBILE APPS IN PELVIC DYSFUNCTIONS

Abstract

Physical therapy has a fundamental role in conservative treatment options for pelvic floor dysfunctions. In this context, telerehabilitation associated with the concept of mHealth emerges as an important strategy because it involves the possibility of conducting therapy, evaluation or training at a distance through mobile devices. It is possible to observe two established segments of mobile applications: a re-reading of the traditional voiding diary and the one that guides exercises to the pelvic floor musculature. Searches (October 2016) in major mobile application stores showed various applications that allow the user to fill in daily information regarding fluid intake, urination, urine leakage and use of hygienic protection. There are also many mobile applications which seek to assist in performing exercises for the pelvic floor. However, these applications are just informative, showing series of exercises to be performed. Some products have been released in the market offering integrated systems to mobile applications that allow real-time interaction between the pelvic floor exercises performed by the users and the application. Despite several available applications, searches (October / 2016) in the main databases of the scientific literature on health showed the existence of only two studies referring to the mobile application called "Tät", whose objective is to favor the treatment of stress urinary incontinence. From a critical analysis of these studies, it is possible to conclude that there is little scientific evidence to support the use of mobile applications in the treatment of pelvic dysfunctions.