Effect of a cardiac telerehabilitation program during COVID-19 associated social isolation

Abstract

This study aimed to compare the impact of a cardiac telerehabilitation (CTR) protocol aimed at patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) during the period of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) associated with social isolation. This retrospective cohort study included 58 participants diagnosed with stable cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), which were divided into three groups: conventional cardiac rehabilitation (CCR) group (n ​= ​20), composed of patients undergoing conventional cardiac rehabilitation; cardiac telerehabilitation (CTR) group (n ​= ​18), composed of patients undergoing cardiac telerehabilitation and control group (n ​= ​20), composed of patients admitted for cardiac rehabilitation who had not started training programs. The results showed that body mass index was reduced (p ​= ​0.019) and quality of life was improved (e.g., limitations due to physical aspects [p ​= ​0.021), vitality [p ​= ​0.045] and limitations due to emotional aspects [p ​= ​0.024]) by CCR compared to baseline. These outcomes were not improved by CTR (p ​> ​0.05). However, this strategy prevented clinical deterioration in the investigated patients. Although CCR achieved a superior effect on clinical improvement and quality of life, CTR was relevant to stabilize the blood pressure and quality of life of patients with cardiovascular diseases during the period of COVID-19-associated social isolation.