ArticlePDF Available

Abstract and Figures

Background: There is growing evidence for the positive impact of mindfulness on wellbeing. Mindfulness-based mobile apps may have potential as an alternative delivery medium for training. While there are hundreds of such apps, there is little information on their quality. Objective: This study aimed to conduct a systematic review of mindfulness-based iPhone mobile apps and to evaluate their quality using a recently-developed expert rating scale, the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS). It also aimed to describe features of selected high-quality mindfulness apps. Methods: A search for “mindfulness” was conducted in iTunes and Google Apps Marketplace. Apps that provided mindfulness training and education were included. Those containing only reminders, timers or guided meditation tracks were excluded. An expert rater reviewed and rated app quality using the MARS engagement, functionality, visual aesthetics, information quality and subjective quality subscales. A second rater provided MARS ratings on 30% of the apps for inter-rater reliability purposes. Results: The “mindfulness” search identified 700 apps. However, 94 were duplicates, 6 were not accessible and 40 were not in English. Of the remaining 560, 23 apps met inclusion criteria and were reviewed. The median MARS score was 3.2 (out of 5.0), which exceeded the minimum acceptable score (3.0). The Headspace app had the highest average score (4.0), followed by Smiling Mind (3.7), iMindfulness (3.5) and Mindfulness Daily (3.5). There was a high level of inter-rater reliability between the two MARS raters. Conclusions: Though many apps claim to be mindfulness-related, most were guided meditation apps, timers, or reminders. Very few had high ratings on the MARS subscales of visual aesthetics, engagement, functionality or information quality. Little evidence is available on the efficacy of the apps in developing mindfulness.
Content may be subject to copyright.
Original Paper
Review and Evaluation of Mindfulness-Based iPhone Apps
Madhavan Mani, BTech, MSc (Applied Psychology); David J Kavanagh, PhD; Leanne Hides, PhD (Psych); Stoyan
R Stoyanov, MRes (Psych)
Institute of Health & Biomedical Innovation, School of Psychology and Counselling, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Australia
Corresponding Author:
Madhavan Mani, BTech, MSc (Applied Psychology)
Institute of Health & Biomedical Innovation
School of Psychology and Counselling
Queensland University of Technology
60 Musk Avenue
Kelvin Grove, 4059
Australia
Phone: 61 434190971
Fax: 61 731386030
Email: m.mani@qut.edu.au
Abstract
Background: There is growing evidence for the positive impact of mindfulness on wellbeing. Mindfulness-based mobile apps
may have potential as an alternative delivery medium for training. While there are hundreds of such apps, there is little information
on their quality.
Objective: This study aimed to conduct a systematic review of mindfulness-based iPhone mobile apps and to evaluate their
quality using a recently-developed expert rating scale, the Mobile Application Rating Scale (MARS). It also aimed to describe
features of selected high-quality mindfulness apps.
Methods: A search for “mindfulness” was conducted in iTunes and Google Apps Marketplace. Apps that provided mindfulness
training and education were included. Those containing only reminders, timers or guided meditation tracks were excluded. An
expert rater reviewed and rated app quality using the MARS engagement, functionality, visual aesthetics, information quality
and subjective quality subscales. A second rater provided MARS ratings on 30% of the apps for inter-rater reliability purposes.
Results: The “mindfulness” search identified 700 apps. However, 94 were duplicates, 6 were not accessible and 40 were not
in English. Of the remaining 560, 23 apps met inclusion criteria and were reviewed. The median MARS score was 3.2 (out of
5.0), which exceeded the minimum acceptable score (3.0). The Headspace app had the highest average score (4.0), followed by
Smiling Mind (3.7), iMindfulness (3.5) and Mindfulness Daily (3.5). There was a high level of inter-rater reliability between the
two MARS raters.
Conclusions: Though many apps claim to be mindfulness-related, most were guided meditation apps, timers, or reminders.
Very few had high ratings on the MARS subscales of visual aesthetics, engagement, functionality or information quality. Little
evidence is available on the efficacy of the apps in developing mindfulness.
(JMIR mHealth uHealth 2015;3(3):e82) doi:10.2196/mhealth.4328
KEYWORDS
mindfulness; mindfulness-based mobile apps; mobile health (mHealth); mental health
Introduction
Background
Mindfulness has grown in popularity in the last two decades,
and there is growing evidence for its positive impact on
well-being [1,2]. Many different perspectives of mindfulness
have evolved over this period. An influential definition by Jon
Kabat-Zinn is that mindfulness is “paying attention on purpose,
in the present moment, and non-judgmentally to the unfolding
of experience moment by moment” (p 145 [3]). Mindfulness is
seen as a skill that can be developed through practice. The
benefits of present-centered attention and acceptance of
experience that can be achieved through mindfulness include
enhanced awareness, greater self-regulation, greater openness
and acceptance to experiences, and the development of new
perspectives on the context and content of information [4]. This
contrasts with mindlessness, where an individual’s attention is
JMIR mHealth uHealth 2015 | vol. 3 | iss. 3 | e82 | p.1http://mhealth.jmir.org/2015/3/e82/ (page number not for citation purposes)
Mani et alJMIR MHEALTH AND UHEALTH
XSL
FO
RenderX
focused on past experiences and concerns about the future rather
than on the present moment [5].
Accordingly, mindfulness has been found to have beneficial
psychological, somatic, behavioral, and interpersonal effects
[6], developing tolerance, acceptance, patience, trust, openness,
gentleness, generosity, empathy, gratitude, and loving-kindness,
each of which is relevant to the personal recovery of people
with mental disorders, as well as to positive well-being in
general [2]. Mindfulness has also been found to reduce
psychological distress and optimize psychological functioning
in young people [7]. There is growing evidence for the efficacy
of mindfulness-based programs in promoting well-being [8],
reducing depression [9], and preventing relapse in depression
[10].
While mindfulness can be an effective tool for improving health
and psychological well-being, finding an effective mindfulness
delivery medium that can reach a wider audience remains a
challenge.
Apps for Mental Health
The global prevalence and burden of mental disorders is
substantial, and delivering mental health services effectively to
millions in need remains a challenge [11]. While Web-based
interventions are gaining empirical support [12], mobile
interventions are still in their infancy [13]. Mobile health
(mHealth) is an emerging field that uses wireless technologies
such as mobile phones and other devices in health practice. The
advent of apps has created new opportunities. Smartphones can
keep the user connected to the Internet at all times. Smartphones
and apps provide computing facility comparable to personal
computers and software with the advantage of mobility.
Smartphone use is growing rapidly [14], and smartphones now
account for 25% of total Web usage. A recent Australian study
[15] reported that 88% of its survey respondents use websites
or apps on their mobile phone and predicted that 92% of
respondents would own a smartphone by October 2015. Global
mobile app downloads are expected to reach 269 billion by 2017
[16]. Smartphone usage by young people is particularly high:
The Australian Communications and Media Authority reported
that in May 2013, 89% of people aged 18-24 years had a
smartphone and 83% of this age group downloaded an app in
the previous 6 months [17]. E-technologies are also
well-accepted by young people as sources of health information.
In a recent survey, 39% of young people reported using the
Internet to seek information about a mental health problem [18].
An implication of this wide acceptance of e-technologies is that
they may offer a medium to improve the well-being of young
people by supporting the development of mindfulness [18,19].
The Apple Store now has a staggering 1.4 million apps, more
than 35,000 of which are health-related [20]. However, little
information is available on the quality or efficacy of these apps
beyond user reviews and star ratings [21]. It is imperative that
health apps contain high-quality information and have positive
effects for users [22].
In particular, while there is growing evidence for the positive
effects of face-to-face mindfulness-based training programs, it
is unclear if mindfulness apps can provide the same benefits.
A search for studies in various databases (ERIC, MEDLINE,
PsycINFO, Web of Science, ProQuest) only identified one
randomized controlled trial [23] examining the efficacy of a
mindfulness training app (Headspace).
The present study conducted a systematic review of
mindfulness-based mobile apps, evaluated the quality of these
apps using an expert rating scale, and described features of the
highest-scoring apps.
Methods
Systematic Search
A systematic search of mindfulness-based mobile apps
accessible from Australia was conducted in June 2014. The
search was conducted using the Google app search function as
well as the search feature in the iTunes app store. The Google
app search included mindfulness, vipassana, mindful,
meditation, and present moment, and excluded hypnosis,
hypnotize, weight, magazine, mindmap, mind map, mind-map,
and binaural. “Mindfulness” was the only search term used in
iTunes, as the search feature was more limited.
Preliminary screening removed irrelevant apps
(music/relaxation, happiness, inspirational cards, games, clocks,
etc), apps not in English, and those that were not readily
accessible. Mindfulness apps that were secular, explicated
mindfulness practice, and also had guided mindfulness training
were included. Apps that only gave reminders, timers, or guided
meditation tracks were excluded, as were apps that cost more
than $10 (on the grounds that they were unlikely to be purchased
by a large number of users). While guided meditation tracks are
a part of mindfulness training, that by itself cannot be justified
as mindfulness training as they lack education about
mindfulness.
The apps were rated and reviewed in iOS 7 with an iPhone 5s.
Each app was tested by at least one author for a minimum of
30 minutes in a real-world setting. The authors were involved
in the development of the MARS [24] and had undertaken
mindfulness training. Two of the authors had delivered
mindfulness training as part of their clinical psychology practice.
Measures/Rating Tool
The MARS [24] was used to rate app quality. It contains 23
items in 3 sections: classification, app quality, and satisfaction.
Each MARS item uses a 5-point scale (1-Inadequate, 2-Poor,
3-Acceptable, 4-Good, 5-Excellent). The classification section
is only for descriptive purposes. The 19-item app quality section
rates apps on four subscales: engagement, functionality,
aesthetics, and information quality. The subjective quality
section contains 4 items evaluating the user’s overall
satisfaction. The MARS is scored by calculating the mean scores
of the app quality subscales and the total mean score. The
subjective quality items are scored separately as individual
items. The MARS has demonstrated excellent internal
consistency (α=0.92) and interrater reliability (ICC=.85) [24].
A second rater reviewed and rated 30% of the apps on the
MARS for interrater reliability purposes.
JMIR mHealth uHealth 2015 | vol. 3 | iss. 3 | e82 | p.2http://mhealth.jmir.org/2015/3/e82/ (page number not for citation purposes)
Mani et alJMIR MHEALTH AND UHEALTH
XSL
FO
RenderX
Results
Systematic Search
The Google and iTunes searches identified 323 and 377 apps,
respectively (Figure 1). Excluding duplicates, there were 606
apps. However, 10 were not accessible, 40 were in languages
other than English, and 296 were not relevant (ie
music/relaxation, happiness, inspirational cards, games, clocks,
etc). Of the remaining 260 apps, 23 met the inclusion criteria.
Excluded apps comprised those containing timers or reminders
(74), guided meditation tracks for common practice or special
occasions (129; religious practice/pregnancy/eating/exercise),
or information only (37; eBooks/audiobooks/guidelines, without
any tools to practice). Nine of the included apps were free and
the rest cost between $2.49 and $5.99.
Figure 1. Systematic search for mindfulness apps in Apple store.
App Quality
Table 1shows the subscale and overall scores of apps rated with
MARS. It was not possible to rate item 19, which provides a
measure of the evidence base for the apps, as a Google Scholar
search only identified one efficacy study [23] on one of the
included apps (Headspace). Seven apps (30%) were evaluated
by two expert MARS raters, and there was an excellent level
of interrater reliability (two-way mixed ICC=.84; 95% CI
0.79-0.87).
The Headspace app had the highest average MARS total (4.0)
and subscale scores. The next highest were Smiling Mind (3.7),
iMindfulness (3.5) and Mindfulness Daily (3.5). Mindfulness
Trainer scored the lowest (2.6). The median MARS was 3.2,
and all but three of the apps met or beat the minimum
acceptability score of 3.0. Satisfaction (the only totally
subjective subscale) was not included in the overall score.
Features of High-Quality Mindfulness Apps
Features of the reviewed apps are summarized in Tables 2 and
3. All contained guided meditations and mindfulness education.
They also had at least 2 of the following 9 most common types
of guided meditations [25]:
1. Breathing — deep breathing with awareness of the in and
out breathes
2. Body scan awareness of the body focusing on each of
the body parts, usually starting from the toes and
progressively moving towards the head
3. Sitting meditation — breathing meditation in a sitting
posture, with awareness of the body
4. Walking meditation — practicing mindful walking, raising
awareness of each movement as we walk slowly
5. Loving kindness meditation — a meditation practice to
accept, love and show kindness to oneself and others
6. Thoughts and emotions acknowledging thoughts and
emotions non-judgmentally, as they come and go
7. Mountain meditation a guided imagery practice,
imagining oneself as a mountain and feeling stronger
8. Lake meditation — a guided imagery practice, imagining
oneself as a lake, experiencing stillness and peace
9. Three-minute breathing space a 3-minute guided
meditation, with becoming aware in the first minute,
gathering and focusing attention in the second minute, and
expanding the attention in the third minute.
Almost all apps provided mindful breathing and body-scan
exercises. Only one contained all 9 types of guided meditations
(Mindfulness Trainer) and few contained loving kindness, lake,
JMIR mHealth uHealth 2015 | vol. 3 | iss. 3 | e82 | p.3http://mhealth.jmir.org/2015/3/e82/ (page number not for citation purposes)
Mani et alJMIR MHEALTH AND UHEALTH
XSL
FO
RenderX
and mountain meditations. Buddhify 2 differed from the rest
by providing guided meditations to practice in different
situations, including exercising, working online, sleeping, and
on your work break. The recording quality, voice used, and pace
of the delivery of guided meditations varied from app to app.
Table 1. MARS Rating.
OverallSatisfactionInformationb
AestheticsFunctionalityEngagementAppa
4.04.04.04.74.83.8Headspacec
1
3.74.03.84.34.53.4Smiling Mindc
2
3.52.53.73.74.83.0iMindfulnessc
3
3.53.33.74.04.03.2Mindfulness Daily4
3.43.83.53.73.83.6Buddhify 25
3.42.83.74.04.03.0Complete Mindfulnessc
6
3.42.53.34.03.53.6Mindfulise7
3.33.53.83.04.03.0ACT Coach8
3.33.03.24.03.53.4Rhythm Free9
3.32.83.54.03.82.8Simply810
3.33.03.33.34.03.2Stop, Breathe & Think11
3.22.53.33.34.03.0Mindfully Me12
3.22.53.53.04.03.0The Meditation App with
Michael Stone
13
3.22.83.53.34.02.6Meditation without bordersc
14
3.22.83.73.03.82.8Mindfulness Coach15
3.22.53.53.03.83.0The Mindfulness Appa
16
3.12.53.52.73.53.2Take a Chillc
17
3.12.53.23.03.83.0iMindfulness
- On The Go
18
3.12.53.22.74.03.0Personal Coach
- Mindfulness
19
3.02.53.32.73.82.8The Breathing Anchor - Andries
J Kroese
20
2.82.03.02.73.52.8Mindfulness by Potential Project21
2.82.53.02.73.82.4Cleveland Clinic -
Stress Free Now
22
2.61.83.02.33.32.2Mindfulness Trainer23
aThe rated versions (Multimedia appendix 1) of the apps may not be available in the App Store at the time of publication, as they may be replaced by
newer versions.
bThe information quality score excluded Item 19 of the MARS.
cRated by two raters for interrater reliability purposes.
JMIR mHealth uHealth 2015 | vol. 3 | iss. 3 | e82 | p.4http://mhealth.jmir.org/2015/3/e82/ (page number not for citation purposes)
Mani et alJMIR MHEALTH AND UHEALTH
XSL
FO
RenderX
Table 2. Summary of mindfulness-based apps features.
PB Practicea
TrackingMood assessmentsRemindersTimerApp#
Headspace1
Smiling Mind2
iMindfulness3
Mindfulness Daily4
Buddhify 25
Complete Mindfulness6
Mindfulise7
ACT Coach8
Rhythm Free9
Simply810
Stop, Breathe & Think11
Mindfully Me12
The Meditation App with Michael Stone13
Meditation without borders14
Mindfulness Coach15
The Mindfulness App16
Take a Chill17
iMindfulness On The Go18
Personal Coach - Mindfulness19
The Breathing Anchor
- Andries J Kroese
20
Mindfulness by Potential Project21
Cleveland Clinic -
Stress Free Now
22
Mindfulness Trainer23
aProgram-based practice
JMIR mHealth uHealth 2015 | vol. 3 | iss. 3 | e82 | p.5http://mhealth.jmir.org/2015/3/e82/ (page number not for citation purposes)
Mani et alJMIR MHEALTH AND UHEALTH
XSL
FO
RenderX
Table 3. Summary of mindfulness-based app features.
CostIn-app PurchaseSocial MediaApp communityApp#
FreeHeadspace1
FreeSmiling Mind2
$2.49iMindfulness3
FreeMindfulness Daily4
$3.79Buddhify 25
$2.49Complete Mindfulness6
$3.79Mindfulise7
FreeACT Coach8
FreeRhythm Free9
$3.79Simply810
FreeStop, Breathe & Think11
FreeMindfully Me12
$3.79The Meditation App with Michael Stone13
$5.99Meditation without borders14
FreeMindfulness Coach15
$2.49The Mindfulness App16
$2.49Take a Chill17
$2.49iMindfulness On The Go18
$2.49Personal Coach
- Mindfulness
19
$2.49The Breathing Anchor
- Andries J Kroese
20
$2.49Mindfulness by Potential Project21
FreeCleveland Clinic - Stress Free Now22
$3.79Mindfulness Trainer23
The majority of apps contained timers and provided reminders.
Seven did not have a timer (ACT Coach, Complete Mindfulness,
Stop, Breathe & Think, Meditation without Borders, MindKind
Now, Cleveland Clinic - Stress Free Now, Mindfulness Trainer)
and nine did not have reminders (ACT Coach, Buddhify 2,
Cleveland Clinic - Stress Free Now, Complete Mindfulness,
Meditation without Borders, Mindfulise, Mindfulness Trainer,
MindKind Now, Stop, Breathe & Think).
Five apps provided progressive/program-based mindfulness
training (Headspace, Smiling Mind, Mindfulness Daily, Simply8
and Meditation without Borders). Headspace provided free
access to a 10-day program, Take 10, which has 10 guided
meditation sessions of approximately 10 minutes each.
Completing a session unlocked the next meditation track.
Smiling Mind had a 10-week program for different age groups.
The introductory session at the start of each week explored
breath, sounds, tastes, etc. The user was advised to practice
mindfulness and relevant take-home activities with the assistance
of the app. Simply8 was a 3-week program with 8 minutes of
guided meditation every day under the themes of calm, clear,
and aware (focusing on one theme each week). Mindfulness
Daily provided short mindfulness exercises for 21 days. The
user can also access guided meditations such as body scan,
kindness, and awareness any time. Meditation without Borders
was a 4-week program advising the users to practice guided
meditations for at least 20 minutes per day.
While most apps provided exclusive texts and videos explaining
the concepts of mindfulness, some apps relied on guided
meditation tracks to educate the user. Take A Chill referred to
relevant websites and did not provide much mindfulness
education within the app. Few apps (eg ACT Coach, Complete
Mindfulness) provided comprehensive text-based education.
Headspace used video infographics to explain the concepts.
Two of the apps (Mindfulness by Potential Project and
iMindfulness) mentioned the 7 attitudes for mindfulness training,
otherwise known as the essential pillars of Mindfulness-Based
Stress Reduction (MBSR) practice [25].
Twelve apps provided an option to share the user’s experience
in social networks such as Facebook and Twitter (Headspace,
Meditacious, Meditation without Borders, Mindfully Me,
Mindfulness Daily, Rhythm Free, Simply8, Smiling Mind, Stop,
Breathe & Think, Take A Chill, The Meditation App with
Michael Stone, The Mindfulness App). Headspace and
JMIR mHealth uHealth 2015 | vol. 3 | iss. 3 | e82 | p.6http://mhealth.jmir.org/2015/3/e82/ (page number not for citation purposes)
Mani et alJMIR MHEALTH AND UHEALTH
XSL
FO
RenderX
Meditacious also had an app community. Eight apps provided
in-app purchase that included additional guided meditation
tracks (Take a Chill, iMindfulness On The Go, Headspace,
Mindfulness Daily, The Mindfulness App, iMindfulness,
Buddhify 2, and Rhythm Free, which also provided reminders)
Discussion
Principal Findings
Though the search for mindfulness apps identified 606 apps,
excluding duplicates, only 23 provided mindfulness training.
Timers, reminders, meditation, relaxation, or reference apps
can assist in mindfulness practice, but categorizing them as
mindfulness apps is inappropriate [26].
Mindfulness is much more than meditation, a breathing exercise,
or a relaxation technique. Meditation is a practice that aids
development of mindfulness [27,28]. Breathing is used as an
exercise in the practice of mindfulness and relaxation can be an
outcome. Contemplative practices (breathing, sitting, walking
meditations), understanding emergent bodily and mental
experiences, and withdrawing from habitual experiential
avoidance form part of mindfulness training in
mindfulness-based interventions such as MBSR and
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy [29]. A mindfulness app
should clearly explain the philosophy and practice of
mindfulness and address common misconceptions. An app
without mindfulness education may be beneficial if this
information has been provided as part of face-to-face
mindfulness training. However, a stand-alone mindfulness app
should educate the user on mindfulness. All of the apps included
in the review explain the concept of mindfulness at varying
levels. Some (eg Headspace, Smiling Mind) employed
interesting visual modes of explanation.
Mindfulness is a habit and a mind-training skill that requires
regular practice and sustained effort to be effective [3,30-32].
This is a challenge for both face-to-face and app-based
mindfulness training. Mindfulness apps provide 24/7 access to
mindfulness-based practice. Interactive mobile applications and
aesthetically pleasing and well-designed apps are likely to be
more effective in engaging the user in regular mindfulness
practice [33,34]. Headspace, Mindfulise, Buddhify 2 and
Smiling Mind exceeded the minimum acceptable level score
(3.0) on the MARS engagement subscale. These apps had
high-quality graphics, simple and easy-to-use interfaces, and
soothing voices for the guided meditation tracks. Headspace
used short video infographics that complemented the guided
meditation tracks. Unlike most apps that used a linear menu
style, Buddhify 2 used an interesting collapsible circular menu
to choose the meditation tracks. The low median score of the
reviewed apps on the MARS engagement subscale, highlights
the need to focus on engagement and motivation during the
design process.
Participation in an app community can help motivate users to
engage in healthy activities [35]. A supportive app community
can help users share and discuss their mindfulness experiences
and the challenges of regular practice. This could potentially
complement or substitute for the support provided in face-to-face
mindfulness training. While nearly 50% of the reviewed apps
provided social network sharing, only Headspace and
Meditacious incorporated app community support. Research is
required to determine the impact of sharing in social media and
participating in a supportive app community on the frequency
of mindfulness-based practice.
Assessing the quality of an app, especially a health intervention
app, is an essential step before evaluating its efficacy [36]. The
23 mindfulness apps reviewed in this study had a median
objective quality MARS score of 3.2. This suggests the apps
had an overall acceptable level of quality. However, the low
median engagement and moderate median aesthetics and
information subscale scores highlight potential target areas for
improvement.
Strengths and Limitations
This study is one of the first to review mindfulness-based mobile
apps and evaluate their quality using a new multidimensional
expert rating scale. The MARS provides a reliable measure of
app quality on four objective subscales (engagement,
functionality, visual aesthetics, information quality) and one
subjective scale. Only the objective quality scales are included
in the total app quality score. Expert ratings on 30% of the
reviewed apps had a high level interrater reliability in the current
study. However, while the MARS can be used to provide an
evaluation of the quality of existing apps, this cannot replace
the use of rigorous user-centered design and evidence-based
practice in the design of health behavior apps.
The current review was limited to iPhone iOS apps, indicating
future research is required to review and rate the quality of
mindfulness apps developed for Android and other app
platforms. Future research is also required to assess the quality
of mindfulness training and individual guided meditation tracks
contained in the apps, as there is currently no gold standard for
how mindfulness is best conceptualized or practiced.
Future Research
mHealth is fast becoming an essential component of global
health care [37]. The majority of mHealth apps developed to
date have focused on physical health and lifestyle domains
rather than mental health [38,39]. While an increasing number
of mindfulness apps are being developed, the current evidence
base is limited to one trial examining the efficacy of the
Headspace app [23]. Future research is needed to determine and
compare the efficacy of mindfulness apps in randomized
controlled trials.
Conclusions
Only 4% of the 700 apps identified in our search provided
mindfulness training and education. Though many apps claimed
to be mindfulness apps, most of them were not. While the
reviewed apps scored an acceptable median MARS score, very
few scored high, indicating that the quality of the apps can be
improved. The lack of evidence for the effectiveness of
mindfulness apps needs to be addressed.
JMIR mHealth uHealth 2015 | vol. 3 | iss. 3 | e82 | p.7http://mhealth.jmir.org/2015/3/e82/ (page number not for citation purposes)
Mani et alJMIR MHEALTH AND UHEALTH
XSL
FO
RenderX
Acknowledgments
This project was funded by the Young and Well Cooperative Research Centre (Young and Well CRC), an Australian-based,
international research center that unites young people with researchers, practitioners, innovators and policy-makers from over 70
partner organizations. Together, we explore the role of technology in young people’s lives and how it can be used to improve the
mental health and well-being of people aged 12 to 25. The Young and Well CRC is established under the Australian Government’s
Cooperative Research Centres Program.
Associate Professor Leanne Hides is supported by an Australian Research Council Future Fellowship.
Conflicts of Interest
None declared.
Multimedia Appendix 1
Mindfulness-based iPhone apps.
[XLSX File (Microsoft Excel File), 80KB - mhealth_v3i3e82_app1.xlsx ]
References
1. Keng S, Smoski MJ, Robins CJ. Effects of mindfulness on psychological health: a review of empirical studies. Clin Psychol
Rev 2011 Aug;31(6):1041-1056 [FREE Full text] [doi: 10.1016/j.cpr.2011.04.006] [Medline: 21802619]
2. Slade M. Mental illness and well-being: the central importance of positive psychology and recovery approaches. BMC
Health Serv Res 2010;10:26 [FREE Full text] [doi: 10.1186/1472-6963-10-26] [Medline: 20102609]
3. Kabat-Zinn J. Mindfulness-Based Interventions in Context: Past, Present, and Future. Clinical Psychology: Science and
Practice 2006;10(2):144-156. [doi: 10.1093/clipsy.bpg016]
4. Langer E. Matters of mind: Mindfulness/mindlessness in perspective. Consciousness and Cognition 1992 Sep;1(3):289-305.
[doi: 10.1016/1053-8100(92)90066-J]
5. Langer EJ, Moldoveanu M. The Construct of Mindfulness. J Social Isssues 2000 Jan;56(1):1-9. [doi:
10.1111/0022-4537.00148]
6. Brown K, Ryan R, Creswell J. Mindfulness: Theoretical Foundations and Evidence for its Salutary Effects. Psychological
Inquiry 2007 Oct 19;18(4):211-237. [doi: 10.1080/10478400701598298]
7. Coffey KA, Hartman M, Fredrickson BL. Deconstructing Mindfulness and Constructing Mental Health: Understanding
Mindfulness and its Mechanisms of Action. Mindfulness 2010 Oct 29;1(4):235-253. [doi: 10.1007/s12671-010-0033-2]
8. Irving JA, Dobkin PL, Park J. Cultivating mindfulness in health care professionals: a review of empirical studies of
mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR). Complement Ther Clin Pract 2009 May;15(2):61-66. [doi:
10.1016/j.ctcp.2009.01.002] [Medline: 19341981]
9. Khoury B, Lecomte T, Fortin G, Masse M, Therien P, Bouchard V, et al. Mindfulness-based therapy: a comprehensive
meta-analysis. Clin Psychol Rev 2013 Aug;33(6):763-771. [doi: 10.1016/j.cpr.2013.05.005] [Medline: 23796855]
10. Chiesa A, Serretti A. Mindfulness based cognitive therapy for psychiatric disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Psychiatry Res 2011 May 30;187(3):441-453. [doi: 10.1016/j.psychres.2010.08.011] [Medline: 20846726]
11. Kazdin A, Rabbitt S. Novel Models for Delivering Mental Health Services and Reducing the Burdens of Mental Illness.
Clinical Psychological Science 2013 Jan 23;1(2):170-191. [doi: 10.1177/2167702612463566]
12. Geraghty Adam W A, Torres LD, Leykin Y, Pérez-Stable EJ, Muñoz RF. Understanding attrition from international Internet
health interventions: a step towards global eHealth. Health Promot Int 2013 Sep;28(3):442-452 [FREE Full text] [doi:
10.1093/heapro/das029] [Medline: 22786673]
13. Free C, Phillips G, Watson L, Galli L, Felix L, Edwards P, et al. The effectiveness of mobile-health technologies to improve
health care service delivery processes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS Med 2013;10(1):e1001363 [FREE
Full text] [doi: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1001363] [Medline: 23458994]
14. Meeker M. Internet Trends. 2014. 2014 URL: https://www.virtualproperties.com/blog/g/14/mm/Internet_Trends_2014.pdf
[accessed 2015-02-08] [WebCite Cache ID 6WCJI53pA]
15. Mackay MM. AIMIA. 2014. Australian mobile phone lifestyle index URL: http://www.aimia.com.au/ampli2014 [accessed
2015-02-08] [WebCite Cache ID 6WCLH6Lpp]
16. Statista. Number of mobile app downloads worldwide from to (in millions). 2009. 2014 URL: http://www.statista.com/
statistics/266488/forecast-of-mobile-app-downloads/ [accessed 2015-02-08] [WebCite Cache ID 6WCJjZ3oP]
17. 2013. Mobile apps: putting the ‘smart’in smartphones URL: http://www.acma.gov.au/theACMA/engage-blogs/engage-blogs/
Research-snapshots/Mobile-apps-putting-the-smart-in-smartphones [accessed 2015-02-08] [WebCite Cache ID 6WCLQ2q11]
18. Burns JM, Davenport TA, Durkin LA, Luscombe GM, Hickie IB. The internet as a setting for mental health service utilisation
by young people. Med J Aust 2010 Jun 7;192(11 Suppl):S22-S26. [Medline: 20528703]
JMIR mHealth uHealth 2015 | vol. 3 | iss. 3 | e82 | p.8http://mhealth.jmir.org/2015/3/e82/ (page number not for citation purposes)
Mani et alJMIR MHEALTH AND UHEALTH
XSL
FO
RenderX
19. Christensen H, Hickie I. Using e-health applications to deliver new mental health services. Med J Aust 2010 Jun 7;192(11
Suppl):S53-S56. [Medline: 20528711]
20. Statista. 2015. Most popular Apple App Store categories in March 2015, by share of available apps URL: http://www.
statista.com/statistics/270291/popular-categories-in-the-app-store/ [accessed 2015-06-08] [WebCite Cache ID 6Z90aIuMD]
21. Mohr DC, Cheung K, Schueller SM, Hendricks BC, Duan N. Continuous evaluation of evolving behavioral intervention
technologies. Am J Prev Med 2013 Oct;45(4):517-523 [FREE Full text] [doi: 10.1016/j.amepre.2013.06.006] [Medline:
24050429]
22. Lewis T, Wyatt J. mHealth and mobile medical Apps: a framework to assess risk and promote safer use. J Med Internet
Res 2014;16(9):e210 [FREE Full text] [doi: 10.2196/jmir.3133] [Medline: 25223398]
23. Howells A, Ivtzan I, Eiroa-Orosa F. Putting the ‘app’in Happiness: A Randomised Controlled Trial of a Smartphone-Based
Mindfulness Intervention to Enhance Wellbeing. J Happiness Stud 2014 Oct 29. [doi: 10.1007/s10902-014-9589-1]
24. Stoyanov S, Hides L, Kavanagh D, Tjondronegoro D, Zelenko O, Mani M. Mobile App Rating Scale: A new tool for
assessing the quality of health-related mobile apps. JMIR mhealth and uhealth 2015;3(1):e27. [Medline: 25760773]
25. Kabat-Zinn J. Full catastrophe living, revised edition: how to cope with stress, pain and illness using mindfulness meditation.
London: Hachette UK; 2013.
26. Gunaratana B. Mindfulness in plain English. In: Mindfulness in Plain English: 20th Anniversary Edition. Boston: Wisdom
Publications; 2011.
27. Thompson B, Waltz J. Everyday mindfulness and mindfulness meditation: Overlapping constructs or not? Personality and
Individual Differences 2007 Nov;43(7):1875-1885. [doi: 10.1016/j.paid.2007.06.017]
28. Olendzki A. Mindfulness and Meditation. In: Didonna F, editor. Clinical handbook of mindfulness. New York: Springer;
2009:37-44.
29. Monteiro LM, Musten RF, Compson J. Traditional and Contemporary Mindfulness: Finding the Middle Path in the Tangle
of Concerns. Mindfulness 2014 Apr 29;6(1):1-13. [doi: 10.1007/s12671-014-0301-7]
30. Grossman P, Niemann L, Schmidt S, Walach H. Mindfulness-based stress reduction and health benefits. A meta-analysis.
J Psychosom Res 2004 Jul;57(1):35-43. [doi: 10.1016/S0022-3999(03)00573-7] [Medline: 15256293]
31. Bishop SR. What do we really know about mindfulness-based stress reduction? Psychosom Med 2002;64(1):71-83. [Medline:
11818588]
32. Pollak SM. Teaching mindfulness in therapy. In: Germer CK, editor. Mindfulness and psychotherapy. New York: Guilford
Press; 2005:113-129.
33. Cyr D, Head M, Ivanov A. Design aesthetics leading to m-loyalty in mobile commerce. Information & Management 2006
Dec;43(8):950-963. [doi: 10.1016/j.im.2006.08.009]
34. Maghnati F, Ling K. Exploring the Relationship between Experiential Value and Usage Attitude towards Mobile Apps
among the Smartphone Users. IJBM 2013 Jan 17;8(4). [doi: 10.5539/ijbm.v8n4p1]
35. Ba S, Wang L. Digital health communities: The effect of their motivation mechanisms. Decision Support Systems 2013
Nov;55(4):941-947. [doi: 10.1016/j.dss.2013.01.003]
36. Boudreaux E, Waring M, Hayes R, Sadasivam R, Mullen S, Pagoto S. Evaluating and selecting mobile health apps: strategies
for healthcare providers and healthcare organizations. Translational behavioral medicine.2014/12/ 2014;4(4):363-371. [doi:
10.1007/s13142-014-0293-9]
37. Farrington C, Aristidou A, Ruggeri K. mHealth and global mental health: still waiting for the mH2 wedding? Global Health
2014;10:17 [FREE Full text] [doi: 10.1186/1744-8603-10-17] [Medline: 24670011]
38. Harrison V, Proudfoot J, Wee PP, Parker G, Pavlovic DH, Manicavasagar V. Mobile mental health: review of the emerging
field and proof of concept study. J Ment Health 2011 Dec;20(6):509-524. [doi: 10.3109/09638237.2011.608746] [Medline:
21988230]
39. Free C, Phillips G, Galli L, Watson L, Felix L, Edwards P, et al. The effectiveness of mobile-health technology-based health
behaviour change or disease management interventions for health care consumers: a systematic review. PLoS Med
2013;10(1):e1001362 [FREE Full text] [doi: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1001362] [Medline: 23349621]
Edited by G Eysenbach; submitted 08.02.15; peer-reviewed by R Vilardaga, E Boudreaux; comments to author 16.04.15; revised
version received 09.06.15; accepted 24.06.15; published 19.08.15
Please cite as:
Mani M, Kavanagh DJ, Hides L, Stoyanov SR
Review and Evaluation of Mindfulness-Based iPhone Apps
JMIR mHealth uHealth 2015;3(3):e82
URL: http://mhealth.jmir.org/2015/3/e82/
doi:10.2196/mhealth.4328
PMID:
JMIR mHealth uHealth 2015 | vol. 3 | iss. 3 | e82 | p.9http://mhealth.jmir.org/2015/3/e82/ (page number not for citation purposes)
Mani et alJMIR MHEALTH AND UHEALTH
XSL
FO
RenderX
©Madhavan Mani, David J Kavanagh, Leanne Hides, Stoyan R Stoyanov. Originally published in JMIR Mhealth and Uhealth
(http://mhealth.jmir.org), 19.08.2015. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution
License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any
medium, provided the original work, first published in JMIR mhealth and uhealth, is properly cited. The complete bibliographic
information, a link to the original publication on http://mhealth.jmir.org/, as well as this copyright and license information must
be included.
JMIR mHealth uHealth 2015 | vol. 3 | iss. 3 | e82 | p.10http://mhealth.jmir.org/2015/3/e82/ (page number not for citation purposes)
Mani et alJMIR MHEALTH AND UHEALTH
XSL
FO
RenderX
... 27 A review of mobile mindfulness apps found that Headspace, Smiling Mind, iMindfulness and Mindfulness Daily scored highest in terms of engagement, functionality, visual aesthetics, information quality and subjective quality. 28 However, the review findings stressed that most apps provided guided meditation only and not mindfulness practice, and there was limited evidence of their effectiveness in improving health outcomes. Furthermore, some mindfulness apps can have poor interface design with limited visualisations and feedback which could contribute to low adherence and dropout from these digital mental health programmes. ...
Article
Full-text available
Introduction People with type 2 diabetes can experience diabetes distress which can negatively affect health outcomes. Non-pharmacological interventions such as mindfulness can help address diabetes distress. However, face-to-face programmes can be constrained by cost, poor accessibility and lack of availability. Mobile apps for mindfulness may overcome these issues but evidence of their effectiveness is limited, and some have poor interface design with basic visualisations and feedback. Methods and analysis Our study will explore using virtual reality (VR) as an immersive and interactive technology that could support mindfulness practice to help reduce diabetes distress. We will use a mixed-methods design to pilot a new co-design process called Artificial Intelligence-informed Experience-Based Co-Design. Phase 1 will identify and evaluate existing VR mindfulness apps, followed by interviews with mindfulness experts to gain their perspectives on practising mindfulness in virtual settings. This will be followed by a participatory design phase with a series of five co-design workshops where adults with type 2 diabetes will (1) discuss diabetes distress and learn about mindfulness, (2) evaluate commercially available VR mindfulness apps, (3) employ artistic methods to produce a personalised mindfulness experience, (4) create digital content for a virtual mindfulness experience via generative artificial intelligence tools and (5) prioritise key design features, functionality and content for a tailored VR mindfulness app. The final phase will focus on developing a bespoke VR mindfulness app and evaluating it with adults with type 2 diabetes using interviews, questionnaires and VR app analytics to determine if the new digital mental health intervention can help reduce diabetes distress and improve quality of life. Ethics and dissemination We received ethical approval from The University of Manchester (2024-18262-32710 and 2024-21170-37093). Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants. Dissemination will include scientific publications and presentations, social media, knowledge translation events and educational resources for teaching students.
... In a Systematic Review, mindfulness -based iPhone apps were rated utilizing the MARS. [12] Findings concluded that although many apps claim to be mindfulness related, most were guided meditation apps, timers, or reminders. The Headspace app scored the highest, receiving a 4.0. ...
Article
Objective: All Nurses experience work stress that can take their focus away from patient care. Healthcare organizations strive to identify successful, cost-effective stress reduction programs. Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) training is a validated approach to stress reduction, usually in a class format. However, financial and time constraints make it inaccessible to most practicing nurses. Alternatively, mobile mindfulness apps offer an approach to mindfulness that can reach large populations, are available 24/7, anonymous, and cost effective.Methods: This prospective, study evaluated the efficacy of a mindfulness mobile app for stress reduction in nurses utilizing Whil, a Mobile App that offers mindfulness training specifically geared towards health professionals. Eight hundred and fifty-two nurses were recruited from twelve sites (71 per site) within a large Health Care System in the Northeast United States.Results: Two scales were used to test results. Nurses Stress Scale (NSS) results indicated that nurses experienced a reduction in stress level with use and time spent in the app. Nurses in the 31-40 age range and nurses on 12-hour shifts experienced greater stress levels.Conclusions: Significant differences were seen in the Subscales Conflict with Physicians, Conflict with other Nurses, and Lack of Support. There was no change in the Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) over time. Spearman’s correlation showed a significant and negative correlation between NSS and MAAS scores. The Whil Mobile App is effective for stress reduction in practicing nurses on all shifts and is cost effective.
... Existing mindfulness-based breathing exercise softwares such as Headspace simply provide informational content and guided sessions instead of involving gamified elements [41]. Mani et al., have conducted a systematic review of mindfulness-based iOS mobile applications where they discovered that most consisted of basic guided meditation, timers, or reminders [42]. For Mindful Fido, we aimed to implement mindfulness techniques in an enjoyable way. ...
Conference Paper
Full-text available
The importance of coping with stress for adolescents is well documented. Various approaches to providing stress-coping strategies have been proposed, and mindfulness has been one of the commonly introduced techniques. It has shown clinical evidence of effectiveness, and questionnaires measuring its efficiency have been developed as well. However, the majority of current methods take a conventional approach of involving verbal or text-based explanations of mindfulness practices, which suffer from a distinct lack of engagement and long-term adherence. However, there are still limited methods for introducing mindfulness to adolescents. In order to make mindfulness not only more accessible for teens but also more engaging and effective, we introduce Mindful Fido, an interactive narrative empathy game that involves players in three different mindfulness techniques, making the learning process more enjoyable and relatable to their daily experiences. In Mindful Fido, players follow the story of a teenage student who faces common stress factors of adolescence. The game is designed to keep players engaged and present mindfulness techniques as game mechanics that naturally allow players to practice mindfulness.
... Afterwards, we asked them to summarize their experience in English. We chose Headspace as an effective and established app-based tool for mindfulness training that uses focused attention meditation (Mani et al., 2015). In the attention distraction condition, participants thought about their breakfast routines and described them in English. ...
Article
Texting has become a primary mode of communication across relationship types, particularly amongst women, despite its vulnerability to miscommunication and associated social consequences. Whereas there is a robust literature on the mechanics and the importance of constructive communication, little is known about how these findings generalize to text-based forms of communication. Using a sample of 71 Black women between the ages of 18–29, the present study examined how the content of text messages changed in response to a short mindfulness-based intervention delivered via a smartphone application. Findings revealed that these women used the intervention to modify maladaptive communication to be more constructive, as well as to enhance neutral communication. They were also less likely to send maladaptive messages after composing them and going through the intervention. In addition to emphasizing the relevance of existing communication theories to text-based communication, this study highlights the potential for the phone to be used as a vehicle for mindful communication amongst a variety of relationship types despite its potential for misuse.
Article
Full-text available
Introduction Over the past few years, the technology powering mobile devices such as smartphones has made significant progress. Furthermore, the healthcare industry is always progressing and actively embracing the latest technological advancements to achieve the highest level of efficiency. With the rising prevalence of smartphones and internet connection, customers are benefiting from reduced prices, convenient home delivery, and effortless accessibility through online pharmacies. Internet-based pharmacies facilitate the internet-based transaction of health-related products, such as drugs, dietary supplements, and various other wellbeing products. Objective of study The study assessed digital pharmacy applications in India using the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS) on Android and iOS devices, aiming to evaluate their quality. Methods An investigation examined the digital pharmacy applications in India that were accessible via the Android Market and App Store. The applications were assessed by two researchers using the MARS questionnaire, a tool that evaluates 23 variables categorized into five domains: Engagement, Functionality, Aesthetics, Information, and Subjective Quality. The grading system spanned from one to five for every category. Results A Google Play Store and App Store investigation revealed 40 online pharmacy apps in India, with 13 rejected. Seven were non-English language-related apps and seven were not downloaded. Thirteen were chosen and evaluated using the MARS Scale. The MARS demonstrated significant positive associations across its components, namely Engagement, Functionality, Aesthetics, and Information. Specifically, greater levels of user functionality were shown to be indicative of superior app aesthetics and engagement. The mean rating of the 13 apps fell between the range of 3.11 to 4.32 on a 5-point scale. Conclusion This is the first study to utilize the MARS scale to assess the efficacy of online pharmacy applications in India. This research enhanced the functionality and quality of various online pharmacy applications utilized in India.
Research Proposal
Full-text available
The following study aims to explore an innovative, multidisciplinary approach designed to enhance self-awareness as well as quality of life through the analysis of body language, imagination, and the integration of breathing techniques and learning methods. We begin with the assumption that increased awareness of one's body language encourages adjustments and changes based on the desired outcomes. Reflecting on how this body language can influence our future becomes a compass aimed at personal development and improvement. Through a holistic approach that combines breath regulation and metacognitive learning strategies, we promote an enhanced awareness of both body and mind, with the ultimate goal of facilitating emotional self-regulation and personal growth.
Article
Background The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the level of anxiety among Indonesian senior high school teachers, who face challenges to treat their mental disorder symptoms that arise during their working hours, as mental health services in Indonesia are limited. Therefore, it is vital to equip schoolteachers in Indonesia with early interventions that are easily available, private, and affordable, and 1 feasible approach is to deploy a smartphone mobile app. Objective The objectives of this study are (1) to evaluate the feasibility of a brief mindfulness–based mobile app (BM-MA) for Indonesian senior high school teachers experiencing anxiety and stress and (2) to examine the effects of using the BM-MA on anxiety, stress, life satisfaction, self-efficacy, trait mindfulness, self-compassion, and physical and social dysfunction among the participants. Methods We followed the SPIRIT (Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Interventional Trials) 2013 statement for this feasibility randomized controlled trial (RCT) protocol. A total of 60 Indonesian senior high school teachers were recruited for this study and randomly assigned to either the intervention group (BM-MA) or a wait-list control group (CG) in a 1:1 ratio. The BM-MA group was required to engage in mindfulness practices using the app for 10-20 minutes per day for 3 weeks. All participants were assessed with a battery of self-report measures at baseline, postintervention, and at 1-month follow-up. Validated scales used to measure the outcome variables of interest included the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SLS), the Teachers’ Sense of Efficacy Scale (TSES), the Self-Compassion Scale—Short Form (SCS-SF), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12), and the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ). The practicality and acceptability of the app will be evaluated using the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire-8 (CSQ-8) and structured qualitative interviews. Data from the interviews will be analyzed with the deductive thematic analysis framework as a process of qualitative inquiry. Repeated measures ANOVA with groups (intervention vs control) as a between-subject factor and time as a within-subject factor (baseline, postintervention, and 1-month follow-up) will be used to examine the effects of the BM-MA on the outcome variables. The data will be analyzed using an intent-to-treat approach and published in accordance with CONSORT (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials) recommendations. Results Participants were recruited in December 2023, and this pilot RCT was conducted from January through March 2024. Data analysis was conducted from March through May 2024. The results of this study are expected to be published in December 2024. The trial registration of this protocol was submitted to the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry. Conclusions This study aims to determine the feasibility and efficacy of the BM-MA, a digital mental health intervention developed using an existing mindfulness-based app, and assess its potential for widespread use. Trial Registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2300068085; https://tinyurl.com/2d2x4bxk International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/56693
Preprint
Over the last decade, there has been a significant increase in the development of mobile applications to deliver various services in sports, including psychological skills training (PST) for athletes. While there are numerous PST-related apps available, little attention has been given to their objective quality. This study aimed to assess the current offerings of PST apps in sports, rate their quality, and provide recommendations for future app development. A scoping review of PST-related apps available on the Apple App Store was conducted, resulting in the retention of 19 apps. The apps used different media types to develop the PST. Of the 19 apps, videos were used by 8 (42%), audios by 7 (37%), articles by 3 (16%), assessment by 4 (21%), ebook by 1 (5%), and both cognitive tasks and personalized journals by 2 (10%). Overall, the app quality measured through the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS) failed to meet acceptable standards, with a mean rating of 2.78 and only 6 of the apps receiving a score that met the acceptable standards. The findings highlight the need for improvement in the development of PST apps to enhance their quality and usability.
Article
Full-text available
The use of mobile apps for health and well being promotion has grown exponentially in recent years. Yet, there is currently no app-quality assessment tool beyond "star"-ratings. The objective of this study was to develop a reliable, multidimensional measure for trialling, classifying, and rating the quality of mobile health apps. A literature search was conducted to identify articles containing explicit Web or app quality rating criteria published between January 2000 and January 2013. Existing criteria for the assessment of app quality were categorized by an expert panel to develop the new Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS) subscales, items, descriptors, and anchors. There were sixty well being apps that were randomly selected using an iTunes search for MARS rating. There were ten that were used to pilot the rating procedure, and the remaining 50 provided data on interrater reliability. There were 372 explicit criteria for assessing Web or app quality that were extracted from 25 published papers, conference proceedings, and Internet resources. There were five broad categories of criteria that were identified including four objective quality scales: engagement, functionality, aesthetics, and information quality; and one subjective quality scale; which were refined into the 23-item MARS. The MARS demonstrated excellent internal consistency (alpha = .90) and interrater reliability intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC = .79). The MARS is a simple, objective, and reliable tool for classifying and assessing the quality of mobile health apps. It can also be used to provide a checklist for the design and development of new high quality health apps.
Article
Full-text available
Increased sympathetic activity, decreased parasympathetic activity and sympathovagal imbalance (SVI) has been reported in obese individuals. However, the SVI and its association with visceral fat in overweight health care students have not been explored. Therefore, in the present study, we have assessed heart rate variability (HRV) and its association with visceral fat in overweight health care students. Frequency domain parameters of HRV, body fat distribution and baseline anthropometric parameters were recorded in the control (n=40) and overweight (n=40) individuals. Further, the association of visceral fat with HRV was analysed. There was no significant difference in age and height of overweight group and control group (p = 0.732). The baseline heart rate and blood pressure (p<0.001) were higher in the overweight group. Total body fat, subcutaneous fat and visceral fat were higher in the overweight group (p<0.001). Among frequency domain parameter of HRV, LFnu and LF: HF were more in the overweight group (p<0.001). Further, HFnu was less in the overweight group (p<0.001). Sympathovagal imbalance due to increased sympathetic activity and its association with visceral fat was observed in overweight individuals.
Article
Full-text available
The rapid growth of smartphone industry motivates companies to emphasize more on the elements of customers’ experiential value in the process of promoting their products and services. The objective of this research is to evaluate the impacts of experiential value on the usage attitude towards the mobile apps among the smartphone users. The survey research was conducted among the tertiary students in which most of them are heavy users of mobile apps via the smartphones. A total of 550 sets of questionnaire were distributed in the survey and judgemental sampling technique was adopted in this research. The research confirmed that both customer return on investment (CROI) and playfulness have positive relationship with the usage attitude.
Article
Full-text available
Contemporary mindfulness has grown through innumerable secular and clinical programs. This rapid growth has raised two main concerns from the Buddhist community: the accuracy of the teachings and the impact of not explicitly including ethics as part of the teachings. Specific concerns include a potential weakening of the concept of Right Mindfulness and, as a corollary, misunderstanding the intent mindfulness as being a technique for symptomatic relief. With respect to the absence of explicit ethics in the teachings, concerns are expressed that this omission risks misappropriating mindfulness practices so that they do more harm than good. This article explores the main criticisms expressed by Traditional Mindfulness community and assesses the validity of these criticisms. The dialogue between traditional and contemporary mindfulness practitioners is an opportunity to examine the conceptual integrity of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) with respect to what comprises Right Mindfulness, assess whether MBIs include the factors that can extend them beyond symptomatic relief, and reflect on the issues related to teaching ethics as part of an MBI program. Because ethics is viewed in Traditional Mindfulness as a foundation for a meditative practice, it is explored in detail for its potential contribution to MBIs.
Article
Full-text available
Mobile applications (apps) to improve health are proliferating, but before healthcare providers or organizations can recommend an app to the patients they serve, they need to be confident the app will be user-friendly and helpful for the target disease or behavior. This paper summarizes seven strategies for evaluating and selecting health-related apps: (1) Review the scientific literature, (2) Search app clearinghouse websites, (3) Search app stores, (4) Review app descriptions, user ratings, and reviews, (5) Conduct a social media query within professional and, if available, patient networks, (6) Pilot the apps, and (7) Elicit feedback from patients. The paper concludes with an illustrative case example. Because of the enormous range of quality among apps, strategies for evaluating them will be necessary for adoption to occur in a way that aligns with core values in healthcare, such as the Hippocratic principles of nonmaleficence and beneficence.
Article
Full-text available
Smartphones are revolutionizing approaches to wellbeing investment. Those seeking greater happiness can engage with thousands of downloadable self-help applica-tions instantly, yet their effectiveness remains largely unknown. This investigation explored the viability of delivering a positive psychological intervention in application format to authentic happiness seekers. A smartphone-based randomized-controlled trial was conducted with a diverse self-selecting pool, randomly assigned to engage with an empirically supported mindfulness intervention (n = 57) or a control intervention (n = 64) for 10 days. The study explored smartphone methodology, the importance of empirically based content for wellbeing enhancement and the extent to which user expe-rience related to wellbeing gains. Results of repeated measures ANOVAs showed statis-tically significant increases in positive affect with a medium effect size and reduced depressive symptoms with a small effect size, although no statistically significant differ-ences in satisfaction with life, flourishing or negative affect were found. No statistically significant gains were observed in the control condition. Ratings of task enjoyment were positively correlated (Pearson's r) with positive affect increase. Findings support the viability of smartphone-based interventions to significantly enhance elements of wellbeing, underscoring the importance of application content and the role of person-activity fit. This investigation presents implications for happiness seeking strategies in the real world whilst showcasing a dynamic method of intervention delivery that can benefit future research and practice. If the greatest mission of positive psychology is to enhance global flourishing, the potential of smartphone-based interventions may play a vital role.
Article
Full-text available
The use of mobile medical apps by clinicians and others has grown considerably since the introduction of mobile phones. Medical apps offer clinicians the ability to access medical knowledge and patient data at the point of care, but several studies have highlighted apps that could compromise patient safety and are potentially dangerous. This article identifies a range of different kinds of risks that medical apps can contribute to and important contextual variables that can modify these risks. We have also developed a simple generic risk framework that app users, developers, and other stakeholders can use to assess the likely risks posed by a specific app in a specific context. This should help app commissioners, developers, and users to manage risks and improve patient safety.