1. Effects of Supervised Exercise-based Telerehabilitation on Walk Test Performance and Quality of Life in Patients in India with Chronic Disease: Combatting COVID-19
- Author
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Jaini Patel, Barry A. Franklin, Disha Pujary, Gagandeep Kaur, Ankita Deodhar, Sakshi Kharbanda, and Aashish Contractor
- Subjects
Chronic disease conditions ,COVID-19 ,Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) ,Physical fitness ,Six-minute Walk Test ,Telerehabilitation ,Computer applications to medicine. Medical informatics ,R858-859.7 - Abstract
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.
- Published
- 2021
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