The benefits of home pulmonary telerehabilitation for individuals with COPD

There has been much research done on the positive benefits of attending an in-person pulmonary rehabilitation program, however, in recent years home telerehabilitation has been increasingly researched. A study by Zhang et al., (2022) found that COPD patients who participated in an 8-week and greater home-based pulmonary telerehabilitation program had significantly increased cardiovascular endurance. 

One of the improvements was noted on the 6-min walk test (6MWT). 6MWT is one of the standard outcome measures to assess cardiovascular capacity and endurance. The walking distance covered in 6 minutes increased post participation in the telerehabilitation program, as compared to the 6 min walking distance pre-participation in the telerehabilitation program.

There was also increased diaphragmatic motility during deep breathing. The diaphragm is the major muscle used in functional breathing, so thus improved motility of the diaphragm results in improved lung capacity and more effective breathing.

Participants also reported improved scores on the CAT (COPD Assessment Test). This test assesses the impact of COPD symptoms on a patient’s overall health.  Further improvements were shown on the: mMRC (Modified Medical Research Council Dyspnea Scale), HAM-A (Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale), and HAM-D (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale). 

The mMRC test assesses the degree of functional disability due to dyspnea. The HAM-A test measures the degree of severity of perceived anxiety symptoms. The HAM-D test measures the severity of depression.

The results of this study are encouraging in the field of telehealth rehabilitation services and show that home-based pulmonary telerehabilitation of at least 8 weeks duration is an effective way to stay active, and improve exercise tolerance, dyspnea, and quality of life for patients with stable COPD.

Zhang L, Maitinuer A, Lian Z, et al. Home-based pulmonary telerehabilitation under telemedicine system for COPD: a cohort study. BMC Pulm Med. 2022;22(1):284. Published 2022 Jul 24. doi:10.1186/s12890-022-02077-w

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