Tele-Pulmonary Rehabilitation For COPD Patients Living in Peripheral Areas

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Tele-Rehabilitation: Participants will undergo a 12 weeks tele-rehabilitation program using a dedicated application. The intervention consists of 24 online sessions (twice weekly) led by a senior respiratory physiotherapist in groups of up to 6 participants. The sessions include: 1) Supervised Exercise: Aerobic and resistance training using household items, stretching, and breathing techniques. 2) Remote Monitoring: Vital signs (heart rate and oxygen saturation) monitored every 10-15 minutes via a study-provided pulse oximeter. 3) Comprehensive Education: Guidance on lifestyle, nutrition, and physical activity. 4) Digital Support: The app provides activity tracking, symptom logging, session reminders, and guided home exercises. At the end of each session, every participant receives a personalized exercise plan based on their performance and preferences, which is displayed in the app.

Study summary

Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is a key non-pharmacological intervention for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), yet it remains underutilized, particularly among patients living in peripheral areas due to limited access, travel distance, and logistical barriers. Tele-pulmonary rehabilitation (TPR) has the potential to improve access to care, but its feasibility and effectiveness as a group-based intervention have not been well established.

The aim of this study is to evaluate whether a group-based TPR program can improve treatment initiation and adherence compared to usual care, defined as referral to standard PR, among COPD patients living in peripheral areas. In addition, the study will assess the effect of the intervention on COPD exacerbations, symptom burden, quality of life, and patient satisfaction.

This is a prospective randomized controlled trial that will enroll patients with COPD who are eligible for PR according to the Israeli health basket criteria and have not participated in PR in the past year. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: (1) referral to standard PR (control group), or (2) participation in a 12-week, twice-weekly, group-based TPR program delivered remotely via a dedicated application and video sessions (intervention group).

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Adherence to pulmonary rehabilitation Between the Study Groups — Assessed by a clinical research coordinator from enrollment to 6 months following study initiation.
  Adherence will be defined as initiation of pulmonary rehabilitation in 3 months from study inclusion and completion of at least 50% (12 sessions) of the program (regular/remote based on allocation) within 6 months from inclusion.

Trial sites (1)

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