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. 2019 Feb 12;16(3):512.
doi: 10.3390/ijerph16030512.

Conventional Rehabilitation Therapy Versus Telerehabilitation in Cardiac Patients: A Comparison of Motivation, Psychological Distress, and Quality of Life

Helle Spindler  1 , Kasper Leerskov  2 , Katrine Joensson  3 , Gitte Nielsen  4 , Jan Jesper Andreasen  5   6 , Birthe Dinesen  7
Affiliations

Conventional Rehabilitation Therapy Versus Telerehabilitation in Cardiac Patients: A Comparison of Motivation, Psychological Distress, and Quality of Life

Helle Spindler et al. Int J Environ Res Public Health. .

Abstract

Telerehabilitation (TR) has gained attention as a promising rehabilitation format. Our study examined how patients responded to TR and whether it provided adequate support for their lifestyle changes and self-care efforts when compared to conventional rehabilitation (CR). Cardiac patients (n = 136) were randomly assigned to a TR or CR group. The TR group was provided with relevant health care technology for a period of three months, and both groups filled in questionnaires on their motivation for lifestyle changes and self-care psychological distress, and quality of life at 0, 3, 6, and 12 months. Patients in both groups were found to be equally motivated for lifestyle changes and self-care (p < 0.05) and they experienced similar levels of psychological distress and quality of life. TR is comparable to conventional rehabilitation in motivating patients, preventing psychological distress and improving quality of life. Although we observed an initial increase in autonomous motivation in the telerehabilitation group, this positive difference in motivation does not last over time. As such, neither rehabilitation format seems able to ensure long-term motivation. Therefore, TR may serve as a viable replacement for conventional rehabilitation when considered relevant. Further research is needed to enhance long-term motivation, and maybe telerehabilitation can help to achieve this.

Keywords: anxiety; cardiac rehabilitation; depression; motivation; psychological distress; telerehabilitation.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Consort diagram in the Teledialog telerehabilitation program.
Figure 2
Figure 2
YouTube Video about Teledialog also illustrating the interactive web portal.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Motivational changes in the TR and CR groups over time.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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