Effectiveness of Cardiac Telerehabilitation in Improving Functional Capacity, Quality Of Life and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients After Acute Coronary Syndrome and/or Coronary Revascularisation (PCI/CABG): A Systematic Review Comparing Telerehabilitation with Traditional Cardiac Rehabilitation

BACKGROUND This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness of telerehabilitation via mobile applications compared with conventional cardiac rehabilitation in patients after acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and/or coronary revascularization, including percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The analysis focuses on physical capacity, quality of life, psychological well-being, health behaviors, cardiovascular and anthropometric parameters, and biochemical outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS This systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA and PICO guidelines. A total of 3674 records were identified through searches of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, of which 12 randomized controlled trials involving 1911 participants were included. The studies evaluated telerehabilitation delivered via mobile or web-based platforms in patients after ACS and/or coronary revascularization (PCI/CABG), compared with structured center-based cardiac rehabilitation or usual care. RESULTS Telerehabilitation was associated with greater improvements in exercise capacity, as measured by the 6-minute walk test and maximal oxygen uptake, adherence to physical activity and dietary recommendations, and selected quality of life and psychological outcomes compared with control conditions (P<0.05). In contrast, cardiovascular risk factors, including blood pressure, body mass index, waist-hip ratio, lipid profile, blood glucose level, and smoking cessation, improved in both groups, with no significant between-group differences (P>0.05). The magnitude of observed effects varied depending on the type of comparator. CONCLUSIONS Telerehabilitation appears to be a comparable alternative to traditional cardiac rehabilitation in patients after ACS and/or coronary revascularization (PCI/CABG), with potential benefits in adherence and selected patient-reported outcomes. However, the findings should be interpreted with caution due to heterogeneity in comparator interventions.