Open AccessEffects of Supervised Exercise-based Telerehabilitation on Walk Test Performance and Quality of Life in Patients in India with Chronic Disease: Combatting COVID-19
Author(s) -
Jaini Patel,
Barry A. Franklin,
Disha Pujary,
Gagandeep Kaur,
Ankita Deodhar,
Sakshi Kharbanda,
Aashish Contractor
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
international journal of telerehabilitation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.273
H-Index - 3
ISSN - 1945-2020
DOI - 10.5195/ijt.2021.6349
Subject(s) - telerehabilitation , medicine , physical therapy , quality of life (healthcare) , covid-19 , rehabilitation , physical medicine and rehabilitation , telemedicine , test (biology) , disease , health care , paleontology , nursing , infectious disease (medical specialty) , economics , biology , economic growth
Background: The world is currently undergoing a pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19). According to the World Health Organization, patients with chronic illnesses appear to be at the highest risk for COVID-19 associated sequelae. Inability to participate in outpatient-based rehabilitation programs and being home-bound can increase the risk for and potential worsening of chronic health conditions. This study evaluated the short-term effects of telerehabilitation on patients' walk test performance and health related quality of life (HRQoL). Methods: 47 patients (23 cardiovascular, 15 pulmonary, 9 oncology) participated in the telerehabilitation program. At baseline and following a 1-month intervention, patients had their 6-minute walk test distance (6MWTD) and HRQoL assessed. Average daily step counts were measured by the PACER App. Conclusions: Our results indicate that a short-term, supervised virtual telerehabilitation program had significant positive effects on 6MWTD and HRQoL in cardiac, pulmonary and oncology patients during COVID-19.