mHealth apps could improve stress management—but apps lack value

In total, researchers analyzed a sample of 433 different mobile apps for stress management. The apps were scored and categorized based on their impact, presence, number of results, language and operating system. Of the apps, 21.7 percent were in the “relaxing music” category, 10.9 percent in the “draw and paint” category, 1.2 percent in the “heart rate control” category and 1.2 percent in “integral methodology.” Despite the wide range of apps available, only 2 percent were identified as high or medium interest.

“There is no research that shows the real influence of these apps for the reduction and management of stress, but it is worth mentioning the revolution regarding easy access and learning of techniques and methodologies for stress management,” concluded Blazquez and colleagues. “There are many low-value apps available at the moment, but the analysis shows that they are adding new functionalities and becoming fully integrated self-management systems with extra capabilities such as professional assistance services and online support communities.”