Key result
Telerehabilitation demonstrated a large effect on exercise capacity compared to no rehabilitation and was non-inferior to conventional intervention, but showed no effect on quality of life.
Why the study?
Telerehabilitation overcomes distance barriers in chronic heart failure, but little is known about its descriptors, components, and efficacy.
Does telerehabilitation improve exercise capacity and quality of life in people with chronic heart failure compared to no rehabilitation or conventional intervention?
Systematic Review
Does telerehabilitation improve exercise capacity and quality of life in people with chronic heart failure compared to no rehabilitation or conventional intervention?
Telerehabilitation is an effective, non-inferior alternative to conventional rehabilitation for improving exercise capacity in patients with chronic heart failure, though it may not provide additional quality of life benefits.
INTRODUCTION: Telerehabilitation (TR) for chronic heart failure (CHF) allows for overcoming distance barriers and reducing exacerbations. However, little is known about TR descriptors, components, and efficacy in CHF. METHODS: This work systematically reviewed the TR strategies of randomized controlled trials in people with CHF. A meta-analysis was run to test its effect on exercise capacity and quality of life compared to no rehabilitation (NI) and conventional intervention (CI). RESULTS: Out of 6168 studies, 11 were eligible for the systematic review, and 8 for the meta-analysis. TR intervention was individual and multidimensional, with a frequency varying from 2 to 5 times per 8-12 weeks. The TR components mainly included an asynchronous model, monitoring/assessment, decision, and offline feedback. A few studies provided a comprehensive technological kit. Minimal adverse events and high adherence were reported. A large effect of TR compared to NI and a non-inferiority effect compared to CI was registered on exercise capacity, but no effects of TR compared to NI and CI on quality of life were observed. CONCLUSIONS: TR for people with CHF adopted established effective strategies. Future interventions may identify the precise TR dose for CHF, technological requirements, and engagement components affecting the patient's quality of life.
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Isernia et al. (2022) conducted a systematic review in Chronic heart failure (CHF). Telerehabilitation vs. No rehabilitation and conventional intervention was evaluated on Exercise capacity and quality of life. Telerehabilitation demonstrated a large effect on exercise capacity compared to no rehabilitation and was non-inferior to conventional intervention, but showed no effect on quality of life.
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