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Individual and Group-Based Telerehabilitation Exercise in People With Cystic Fibrosis: A Randomized Controlled Study
Cigdem Emirza Cilbir1, Ayse Ayzit Kilinc Sakalli, Owen William Tomlinson
1Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Institute of Graduate Studies, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey (Dr Emirza Cilbir); Children's Health and Exercise Research Centre, Public Health and Sport Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom (Dr Emirza Cilbir, Dr Tomlinson, Prof Williams); Department of Peadiatric Lung Diseases, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey (Dr Kilinc Sakalli); Royal Devon University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, United Kingdom (Dr Tomlinson, Prof Williams); Department of Clinical and Biomedical Science, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom (Dr Tomlinson); Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Science, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey (Prof Kuran Aslan).
Telerehabilitation exercise programs for cystic fibrosis (CF) show promise in improving exercise capacity and quality of life. Group and individual telerehabilitation may offer benefits comparable to routine care, potentially enhancing adherence.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Rehabilitation
- Digital Health Interventions
- Clinical Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Cystic Fibrosis (CF) necessitates consistent exercise for managing respiratory and physical health.
- Barriers to exercise adherence in CF patients include accessibility and motivation.
- Telerehabilitation offers a potential solution to overcome these barriers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of telerehabilitation-based individual and group exercise against routine treatment in individuals with CF.
- To evaluate the impact on exercise capacity, muscle strength, lung function, explosive strength, balance, and quality of life.
- To assess changes in clinical status, motivation, and enjoyment.
Main Methods:
- Randomized controlled trial with participants aged 8-18 years allocated into three groups: individual telerehabilitation, group telerehabilitation, and a control group.
- Comprehensive assessments included exercise capacity, muscle/handgrip strength, spirometry, explosive strength, and balance.
- Adherence rates, clinical status changes, motivation, and enjoyment were also evaluated.
Main Results:
- Telerehabilitation-based exercise programs effectively minimize barriers to exercise participation in CF.
- The study aims to demonstrate comparable effects between group and individual telerehabilitation sessions.
- The research anticipates superior outcomes compared to routine treatment.
Conclusions:
- Telerehabilitation-based exercise programs are a viable strategy to improve health outcomes in cystic fibrosis.
- Integrating group tele-exercises into CF care centers can enhance adherence and provide significant benefits.
- This approach offers a time-efficient and effective method for exercise delivery in CF management.
