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

Area of Science:

• Pulmonary Rehabilitation
• Cardiorespiratory Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Access and adherence to exercise programs (EPs) for interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) present significant challenges.
• Virtual delivery models offer a potential solution to improve patient engagement and program completion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and patient-reported outcomes of home-based EPs for ILD patients.
• To compare a video-conference (EPVC) delivered EP with a self-directed (EP_SD) EP.

Main Methods:

• An eight-week virtual EP was conducted three times weekly.
• Participants were assigned to either an EPVC group (therapist-led video conferences) or an EP_SD group (pre-recorded videos).
• Data on dropout rates, adherence, safety, and patient outcomes (dyspnea, fatigue, exercise capacity, lung function, quality of life) were collected.

Main Results:

• The overall dropout rate was 42.8% in the EP_SD group, with 11 patients completing the program.
• Adherence to data acquisition and submission was high (≥97.6%) in both groups.
• Significant differences in fatigue severity changes were observed between groups (p=0.014). No adverse events were reported.

Conclusions:

• Structured virtual EPs, whether delivered via video conference or self-directed, are feasible, safe, and acceptable for patients with ILDs.
• These findings support the use of virtual EPs as an effective strategy to improve exercise participation and outcomes in ILD patients.