Abstract

Introduction: Telerehabilitation has not been tested in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH). This study analyzed the feasibility of a low-cost online intervention.

Methods: This is a feasibility study carried out at the Rehabilitation Center of Universidade Nove de Julho, participants underwent a spirometry test, functional capacity tests (6-minute walk test, incremental step test), hand grip and quality of life (emPHasis-10). They were randomized into 2 Control Groups (CG - n = 8) that received health education and encouragement of physical activity, and Telerehabilitation Group (ETLEG - n = 8) that received 16 sessions of combined physical training, twice a week for 2 months. , the groups were reevaluated post-intervention. Additionally, the financial costs were calculated if the intervention was in person.

Results: 16 patients aged between 27±11 years, ETLEG showed better results in outcomes in relation to CG, with functional capacity measured by the total distance covered in 6 minutes (6MWD-525±105 m and %prev 88±64), vs ( DTC6-389±97m and %prev 74±19) and number of climbs in the incremental step test (126±61) vs (66±32) climbs, Handgrip - FPM-RUL (57±14) vs (50± 22) kgf and HGS-LUL (57±19) 19) ) 11) vs (42±23)kgf, both groups achieved an improvement in quality of life. The estimated total cost reduction in the 16 sessions for both groups was ETLEG (U$836.71) vs CG (U$607.84).


Conclusion: Telerehabilitation is viable in patients with PH, improving aspects of functional capacity, muscle strength, quality of life and reducing additional costs due to the intervention being online at home and low cost.