Background Physiotherapists have recognized the benefits of incorporating psychological interventions in their treatments. This study sought to determine the usefulness of the Headspace® Application that provides mindfulness training via a smartphone on pain. Methods A quasi-experimental design was used and volunteers from a large metropolitan university who were coping with pain were encouraged to use the application for 6-weeks. Pain (severity and interference), selfreported mindfulness, usage of the application and participants perspectives of the application were examined. Results There was a significant reduction in pain severity (p = 0.01, r = 0.70) and pain interference (p = 0.00, r= 0.81) pre-post intervention. However there was no significant change in self-reported mindfulness pre-post intervention (p = 0.67, r = 0.09). The usage of the application during the intervention period varied significantly (10-674 minutes) and was not significantly correlated with pain severity (two tailed)-pre (p=0.65,r=0.10) , post (p=0.43 r= 0.17) or pain interference (two tailed) pre (p =0.75 r = 0.07) , post (p=0.32 r=0.20). The participants reported positive perceptions of the application, such as it being useful in reducing pain and its convenience. Conclusion This study provides preliminary evidence to suggest that the Headspace® application is beneficial in reducing Persistent or Intermittent sub-acute pain and the application could be a useful adjunct to physiotherapy interventions.

No abstract