ANALYSIS OF THE IMPACT OF TELEREHABILITATION ON CARDIOVASCULAR RECOVERY IN PATIENTS DIAGNOSED WITH PERIPHERAL ARTERIAL DISEASE OF THE LOWER LIMBS

Authors

  • Andreea ROTUNDU ‟Grigore Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iași
  • Alexandra MASTALERU ‟Grigore Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iași
  • Andra OANCEA ‟Grigore Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iași
  • F. MITU ‟Grigore Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iași
  • Maria Magdalena LEON ‟Grigore Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iași
  • A. KNIELING ‟Grigore Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iași

Abstract

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a significant public health concern, given its debilitating consequences, diminished quality of life (QoL), and the associated increased cardiovascular risk. Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) based on supervised exercise therapy (SET) is recommended as first-line treatment, but the patient adherence to these programs is low. Home-Based Exercise Therapy (HBET) may be an effective alternative, and can be achieved by telerehabilitation (TR), where patients receive exercise recommendations and are monitored remotely using current technological means. Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of a TR program on the improvement of general health status in patients with PAD. Materials and methods: 20 people diagnosed with PAD followed a 12-week TR program based on walking at home with a progressive increase in the number of steps. Physical activity monitoring was performed using electronic devices, and participants’ progress was assessed weekly by individual telephone calls with the investigator. Patients were reassessed at the end of the TR intervention. Results: Statistically significant improvements were observed in the majority of clinical and paraclinical parameters, alongside functional status, cardiovascular risk, and quality of life of the patients, from baseline to the end of the 12-week training period. Conclusions: Home-based exercise therapy monitored with digital technology may be an effective strategy for CR of patients with PAD.

Author Biographies

  • Andreea ROTUNDU, ‟Grigore Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iași

    Doctoral School
    Faculty of Medicine
    Department of Medical Specialties (I)

  • Alexandra MASTALERU, ‟Grigore Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iași

    Faculty of Medicine

    Department of Medical Specialties (I)

    Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital Iasi, Romania

  • Andra OANCEA, ‟Grigore Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iași

    Faculty of Medicine

    Department of Medical Specialties (I)

    Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital Iasi, Romania

  • F. MITU, ‟Grigore Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iași

    Faculty of Medicine
    Department of Medical Specialties (I)

    Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital Iasi, Romania
    Academy of Medical Sciences, Bucharest, Romania
    Academy of Romanian Scientists, Iasi, Romania

  • Maria Magdalena LEON, ‟Grigore Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iași

    Faculty of Medicine
    Department of Medical Specialties (I)
    Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital Iasi, Romania


  • A. KNIELING, ‟Grigore Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iași

    Faculty of Medicine
    Department of Medical Specialties (III)

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Additional Files

Published

2024-12-23

Issue

Section

INTERNAL MEDICINE - PEDIATRICS