Can a web-based Yoga-integrated pulmonary rehabilitation application (app) for COPD be delivered in India?

In India, high prevalence of COPD and barriers to center-based pulmonary rehabilitation (PR), like time and travel, call for alternative delivery models. We evaluated the feasibility of a 12-week Yoga-integrated PR program delivered using an interactive web-application (iRECHARGE)in Pune, India (Aug 2022-Aug 2023). Eligibility criteria were Medical Research Council dyspnoea score ≥2, access to web-enabled electronic device and ability to provide informed consent. Pre- and post- intervention clinical scores and feasibility parameters- eligibility (% of screened), uptake (% of eligible), completion (% of recruited) were noted. In-depth qualitative semi-structured interviews explored acceptability. Out of 112 people screened, 52 were eligible (46%), of which 40 people consented to participate (36% of screened, 78% of eligible), 36(90%) completed the trial (Fig 1A). Participation was declined due to travel (n=5), inability to exercise (n=3) and planned surgeries (n=4). Changes in the post-intervention clinical scores were noted (Fig 1B). Participants who exercised regularly saw positive changes in ‘routine activities’ and ‘breathlessness’; however, some missed the ‘immediate feedback’ of a professional (Fig 1C). It was feasible to conduct the iRECHARGE intervention, there were notable differences in clinical scores post-intervention, warranting further research to determine effectiveness. <fig><object-id>erj;64/suppl_68/PA3175/F1</object-id><object-id>F1</object-id><object-id>F1</object-id><graphic></graphic></fig>