Maintanance pulmonary tele-rehabilitation program for chronic pulmonary diseases: a feasibility study

<bold>Background</bold>. Pulmonary tele-rehabilitation (PTR) with digital health tools (DHT) may increase rehabilitation access. Aim of the study was to evaluate feasibility and effects of a maintenance PTR in chronic respiratory population after a Centre-based pulmonary rehabilitation (CBPR) admission. <bold>Methods.</bold> This is single-arm prospective monocentric study on 30 patients discharged after a CBPR program. Pre to post outcome evaluations were performed at the rehabilitation facility. The 8-weeks PTR program was supervised by a respiratory therapist in charge of the health care provider including aerobic, strength and breathing exercises, baseline home visit, weekly videocalls and daily telemonitoring. DHT features included a smartphone application for patients (MedicRehApp), a dedicated web-side platform, a pulse oximeter, an inertial motor sensor. <bold>Results</bold>. During PTR, 40 sessions/pt and 8 phone calls/pt were proposed; 22 patients used cycle, 6 treadmill, 2 walking; in 22 and 28 out of 30 patients watts and kg for strength exercises were respectively increased to baseline. At the end of PTR global adherence rate was 94% and the Technology Acceptance Model score was high (145±12.1); no side effects were recorded. EuroQoL VAS score increased from 66.2±16.28 to 75.60±16.07 (p<0.001), the COPD Assessment Test decreased from 14.4±6.39 to 8.50±5.39 (P<0.001), Barthel-dispnea score decreased from 14.83±12.85 to 7.63±10.05 (P<0.001) while distances at the six-minute walking test increased from 451±93 to 473±115 meters (P<0.05). <bold>Conclusion</bold>. PTR enhaced by an DHT is feasible, increases quality of life and exercise tolerance after traditional CBPR programs with high patient’s satisfaction.