Effect of WhatsApp-based reminders on adherence to home exercise program

摘要

This study investigated the effectiveness of WhatsApp-based reminders on home exercise program (HEP) adherence. Forty consenting patients [experimental group (EG) (n = 20); control group (CG) (n = 20)] participated in this study. EG received WhatsApp-based reminder messages on HEP thrice weekly for six weeks while CG received no reminders other than therapists' instructions to carry out HEP. Participants recorded their HEP activities on a provided diary, which was monitored weekly. The number of days of adherence was assessed at weeks 3 and 6. There was significant difference in adherence to HEP in EG (6.85 +- 0.37 vs. 19.95 +- 0.89 vs. 20.43 +-0.69; p = 0.001) and CG (4.50 +- 0.61 vs. 13.50 +- 1.24 vs. 13.95 +- 1.61; p = 0.001) at baseline, 3rd and 6th week, and between EG and CG at weeks 3 and 6 (t = 12.669; p = 0.001). WhatsApp-based reminders significantly improved adherence to HEP among patients receiving physiotherapy.