Effects of Supervised Exercise-based Telerehabilitation on Walk Test Performance and Quality of Life in Patients in India with Chronic Disease: Combatting COVID-19

• Main Authors: Jaini Patel, Barry A. Franklin, Disha Pujary, Gagandeep Kaur, Ankita Deodhar, Sakshi Kharbanda, Aashish Contractor
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: University Library System, University of Pittsburgh 2021-05-01
• Series: International Journal of Telerehabilitation
• Subjects: chronic disease conditions; covid-19; health related quality of life (hrqol); physical fitness; six-minute walk test; telerehabilitation
• Online Access: http://telerehab.pitt.edu/ojs/Telerehab/article/view/6349

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. Conclusion: 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.