Group-based pulmonary telerehabilitation is feasible, safe, beneficial and well-received in patients that have been hospitalised with Covid-19

Simpson, Andrew J.; Green, Angela; Nettleton, Marion; Hyde, Lucy; Shepherdson, Joanne; Killingback, Clare; Marshall, Phil; Crooks, Michael G.

Abstract

Introduction Covid-19 has caused worldwide mass hospitalisation. The need for multi-disciplinary post-hospitalisation rehabilitation is becoming increasingly apparent and telerehabilitation has been endorsed. The aim of study was to investigate the feasibility and efficacy of pulmonary telerehabilitation for Covid-19 survivors.

Methods A single centre, mixed-methods, fast-track (wait-list), randomised controlled trial of telerehabilitation for patients who have been hospitalised with Covid-19.

Participants Forty patients discharged from two University Teaching Hospitals in the North of England. Interventions: Telerehabilitation consisted of twelve exercise classes, six education events and opportunity for peer support. Patients commenced telerehabilitation 14 days after randomisation in the fast-track group and 56 days after randomisation in the wait-list group.

Outcome measures and results Descriptive and statistical improvements were noted is several clinical outcome measures. Exercise capacity increased from a median (Q1–Q3) 20 (14–24) sit-to-stand repetitions in one-minute at baseline to 25 (24–30) post-telerehabilitation. Breathlessness rated using the MRC changed from 3.5 (3–4) at baseline to 2 (1.5–3) post-telerehabilitation, with additional favourable outcomes noted in respiratory symptoms measured using numerical rating scales and visual analogue scales (VAS). Quality of life measured using the EQ-VAS improved from 55 (60–70) units at baseline to 70 (55–80) units following telerehabilitation. Improvements in fatigue (FACIT-F) and mood (HADS-D) were also observed. Natural recovery was observed in the wait-list group prior to receiving telerehabilitation, however, improvements were accelerated by early telerehabilitation in the fast-track group.

Conclusions We have shown that group-based telerehabilitation is feasible, safe, beneficial and well-received in this population.

Citation

Simpson, A. J., Green, A., Nettleton, M., Hyde, L., Shepherdson, J., Killingback, C., …Crooks, M. G. (in press). Group-based pulmonary telerehabilitation is feasible, safe, beneficial and well-received in patients that have been hospitalised with Covid-19. ERJ Open Research, Article 00373-2022. https://doi.org/10.1183/23120541.00373-2022

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Nov 9, 2022
• Online Publication Date: Nov 24, 2022
• Deposit Date: Nov 29, 2022
• Publicly Available Date: Nov 30, 2022
• Journal: ERJ Open Research
• Publisher: European Respiratory Society
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Article Number: 00373-2022
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1183/23120541.00373-2022
• Keywords: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4134796