The Effect of Telerehabilitation on Quality of Life, Exercise Capacity, and Spirometry Indexes in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Masih Daneshvari Hospital

Somayeh Ghadimi; Atefeh Fakharian; Mohsen Abedi; Reyhaneh Zahiri; Mahsan  Norouz Afjeh; Maryam Sadat Mirenayat

doi:10.18502/jimc.v4i3.7218

Somayeh Ghadimi Chronic Respiratory Diseases Research Center (CRDRC), National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Atefeh Fakharian Chronic Respiratory Diseases Research Center (CRDRC), National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Mohsen Abedi Physiotherapy Research Center, School of Rehabilitation, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Reyhaneh Zahiri Chronic Respiratory Diseases Research Center (CRDRC), National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Mahsan Norouz Afjeh Chronic Respiratory Diseases Research Center (CRDRC), National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Maryam Sadat Mirenayat Chronic Respiratory Diseases Research Center (CRDRC), National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jimc.v4i3.7218

Keywords: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Telerehabilitation, Pulmonary rehabilitation, Spirometry

Abstract

Background: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) leads to limited activity and reduced quality of life. Treatment of this disease is a long-term process that requires the cooperation of patients in monitoring and treatment.

Methods: In the present study which was conducted from April 2019 to March 2021 in Masih Daneshvari Hospital, Tehran, Iran, 75 patients were randomly divided into telerehabilitation and control groups. Patients in the control group received pulmonary rehabilitation including respiratory, isometric, and aerobic exercises for 8 weeks, three times per week. In the second group, patients were given a lung rehabilitation booklet and asked to repeat the exercises three times a week for four weeks according to a specific schedule. In addition, patients installed Behzee care application on the mobile phone that recorded various indicators such as heart rate, SpO2, dyspnea, fatigue, and daily activities. This application reminded the patient of the program every day and at a specific time.

Finally, the patients’ conditions were compared in the two groups after 8 weeks using CAT and mMRC questionnaires and 6-Minute Walk (6MW) exercise indices as well as spirometry tests.

Results: In all four indicators (6MW, CAT, and mMRC questionnaires as well as spirometry), patients showed improvement after rehabilitation (p<0.001). This improvement was significantly higher in the telemedicine group compared to the other group (p<0.01).

Conclusion: The use of telerehabilitation in COPD patients is effective in improving spirometry indices, quality of life, as well as activity and sports indices.