Reducing concussion symptoms among teenage youth: Evaluation of a mobile health app

ABSTRACTObjective: To evaluate whether a mobile health application that employs elements of social game design could compliment medical care for unresolved concussion symptoms.Design: Phase I and Phase II (open-label, non-randomized, ecological momentary assessment methodology).Setting: Outpatient concussion clinic.Participants: Youth, aged 13–18 years, with concussion symptoms 3+ weeks after injury; Phase I: n = 20; Phase II: n = 19.Interventions: Participants received standard of care for concussion. The experimental group also used a mobile health application as a gamified symptoms journal.Outcome measures: Phase I: feasibility and satisfaction with intervention (7-point Likert scale, 1 high). Phase II: change in SCAT-3 concussion symptoms (primary), depression and optimism.Results: Phase 1: A plurality of participants completed the intervention (14 of 20) with high use (110 +/− 18% play) and satisfaction (median +/− interquartile range (IQR) = 2.0+/− 0.0). Phase II: Groups were equivalent on baseline ...