Telerehabilitation program maintains functional capacity in patients with chronic lung disease during a period of social isolation owing to covid-19 (Preprint)

BACKGROUND Pulmonary diseases represent a great cause of disability and mortality in the world and, considering the progression of these pathologies, pulmonary rehabilitation programs are proven to be effective. During the COVID-19 pandemic, telerehabilitation becomes an alternative for these patients. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine results in outcomes such as functional capacity and quality of life when comparing telerehabilitation to usual care in patients previously participating in face-to-face pulmonary rehabilitation program. METHODS A quasi-experimental retrospective study realized between Abril 2020 to August 2021. Thirty-two patients with chronic diseases were included, divided between control and intervention groups. The intervention group performed telerehabilitation synchronously twice a week supervised by a physical therapist with breathing, strengthening and aerobic exercises. Dyspnea and leg wear were adjusted by changing BORG. The control group did not perform any activity during the period of social isolation. Quality of life was assessed by the minute walk test and quality of life by the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short Form Health Survey. RESULTS The telerehabilitation group reduced 39 meters in the six-minute walk test, while the control group reduced 120 meters. There was difference of 81 meters between the groups (p=0.02). In relation to the quality of life of telerehabilitation was shown improve in two domains, social functioning and mental health. CONCLUSIONS telerehabilitation program for these patients can ease the deleterious effects of disease progression and maintain functional capacity and improve aspects of quality of life.