Using Remote Technology to Engage Patients with Interstitial Lung Diseases in a Home Exercise Program: A Pilot Study

The access and compliance of patients with interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) to exercise programs (EPs) remain challenges.

We assessed the dropout rate, intervention completion, compliance with data acquisition and submission, safety, and satisfaction of a home EP delivered via video conference (EP_VC group) or self-directed (EP_SD group) to patients with ILD. Pre- and post-intervention changes in patient outcomes (dyspnea, fatigue, exercise capacity, lung function, and quality of life) were secondarily explored.

Groups performed an eight-week virtual EP three times/week. Video conferences were led by a registered respiratory therapist, whereas self-directed exercises were completed following a pre-recorded video. Participants submitted spirometry, heart rate, and SpO₂ results weekly to the research team.

Fourteen patients with ILD were equally assigned to the EP_VC and EP_SD groups, but three from the EP_SD group dropped out after the initial assessment (dropout rate of 42.8% in the EP_SD group). Eleven patients (mean age of 67 ± 12 years) completed 96.5% of sessions. Compliance with data acquisition and submission was optimal (≥97.6% in both groups), and no adverse events were reported. Changes in overall fatigue severity were significantly different between groups (p = 0.014, Cohen's r = 0.64).

The results suggest that a structured virtual EP delivered via video conference or pre-recorded video can be feasible, safe, and acceptable for patients with ILD.