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

Authors

  • Jaini Patel Former In-charge Physical Therapist: Cardiopulmonary, Oncology & Renal Rehabilitation Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital & Research Center Mumbai India
  • Barry A. Franklin Barry A. Franklin, PhD, Director, Preventive Cardiology and Cardiac Rehabilitation, Beaumont Health, Royal Oak, Michigan, USA, Professor, Internal Medicine, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine
  • Disha Pujary Physical Therapist Sir H.N. reliance Foundation Hospital & Research Center Mumbai India
  • Gagandeep Kaur Physical Therapist Sir H.N. reliance Foundation Hospital & Research Center Mumbai India
  • Ankita Deodhar Physical Therapist Sir H.N. reliance Foundation Hospital & Research Center Mumbai India
  • Sakshi Kharbanda Physical Therapist Sir H.N. reliance Foundation Hospital & Research Center Mumbai India
  • Aashish Contractor Reliance Foundation Hospital and Research Foundation, Mumbai, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5195/ijt.2021.6349

Keywords:

Chronic disease conditions, COVID-19, Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL), Physical fitness, Six-minute Walk Test, Telerehabilitation

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.

  

Author Biography

Jaini Patel, Former In-charge Physical Therapist: Cardiopulmonary, Oncology & Renal Rehabilitation Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital & Research Center Mumbai India

I am a physical therapist educated in India, having 8 years of work experience. I have been affiliated with Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital and Research Center located at Mumbai for past 6 years and have been in-charge of the cardiopulmonary and oncology rehab department. During my tenure, I have seen more than 300 cancer , 100-150 pulmonary and 500-600 cardiac patients. On an average day before the pandemic, with my team, I would see approximately 50 patients a day in the outpatient setting.

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Published

2021-05-28

How to Cite

Patel, J., Franklin, B. A., Pujary, D., Kaur, G., Deodhar, A., Kharbanda, S., & Contractor, A. (2021). Effects of Supervised Exercise-based Telerehabilitation on Walk Test Performance and Quality of Life in Patients in India with Chronic Disease: Combatting COVID-19. International Journal of Telerehabilitation, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.5195/ijt.2021.6349

Issue

Vol. 13 No. 1 (2021)

Section

Clinical Practice - COVID 19

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