Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 16, 2026

Using Continuous Data Tracking Technology to Study Exercise Adherence in Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Published on: November 8, 2013
Strategies used and data obtained during treatment fidelity monitoring
Janet S Carpenter1, Debra S Burns, Jingwei Wu
1Center for Enhancing Quality of Life, School of Nursing, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA. carpentj@iupui.edu
Background:
Treatment fidelity, also called intervention fidelity, is an important component of testing treatment efficacy. Although examples of strategies needed to address treatment fidelity have been provided in several published reports, data describing variations that might compromise efficacy testing have been omitted.
Objectives:
The aim of this study is to describe treatment fidelity monitoring strategies and data within the context of a nursing clinical trial.
Methods:
A three-group, randomized, controlled trial compared intervention (paced respiration) to attention control (fast, shallow breathing) to usual care for management of hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms. Data from both staff and participants were collected to assess treatment fidelity.
Results:
Staff measures for treatment delivery indicated good adherence to protocols. Participant ratings of expectancy and credibility were not statistically different between intervention and attention control; however, the attention control was significantly more acceptable (p < .05). Intervention participant data indicated good treatment receipt and enactment with mean breath rates at each time point falling within the target range. Practice log data for both intervention and attention control indicated lower adherence of once-daily rather than twice-daily practice.
Discussion:
Despite strengths in fidelity monitoring, some challenges were identified that have implications for other similar intervention studies.
Related Concept Videos
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring: Drug Analysis Methods
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring: Affecting Factors
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring: Overview and Classification
Strategies for Assessing and Addressing Confounding
Confounding can be addressed at both the design phase of a study and through analytical methods after data...
Techniques of Therapeutic Communication II: Focusing, Paraphrasing, and Summarizing
This therapeutic technique can also be used when a patient brings up pertinent information during a health-related conversation. The...
Types of Biopharmaceutical Studies: Controlled and Non-Controlled Approaches
Non-controlled studies, commonly employed for initial exploration, lack a control group, rendering them susceptible to biases and external influences. In contrast, controlled...
