Effects of a Mobile App on Adherence to Daily Exercise and Recovery After Whiplash Injury

This study investigates the effect of daily mobile app reminders to exercise in conjunction with standard physical therapy on adherence to exercise and recovery after whiplash injury of the neck. Participants will be divided into two groups, the experimental (Arm A) and control group (Arm B). Both groups will complete a standard physical therapy program under the supervision of a physiotherapist. Both groups will get illustrated home exercise programs and will be advised to continue exercising at home. In addition, the experimental group will receive one daily push notification via a mobile app to perform a daily exercise at home.

Inclusion Criteria:patients who sustained whiplash injury of the neck in a car accident as drivers or co-driversdiagnosed with a whiplash injury of the neck by physical and rehabilitation medicine specialist within 3 monthsNeck Disability Index (NDI) score higher than 5 (10%)possession of and ability to use a smartphone and a mobile appage ≥ 18 yearssigned written informed consentExclusion Criteria:bone fracture sustained in the accidentspinal cord injuryaccident in any other type of vehicle other than cartreatment of malignant disease in the last 5 yearsexpected non-compliance (not possible to use a smartphone because of severe mental or physical impairment)