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Review
. 2022 Dec 21;12(1):64.
doi: 10.3390/jcm12010064.

Telerehabilitation Approaches for People with Chronic Heart Failure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Sara Isernia  1 , Chiara Pagliari  1 , Nuccia Morici  1 , Anastasia Toccafondi  1 , Paolo Innocente Banfi  1 , Federica Rossetto  1 , Francesca Borgnis  1 , Monica Tavanelli  1 , Lorenzo Brambilla  2 , Francesca Baglio  1 ; CPTM Group
Affiliations
Review

Telerehabilitation Approaches for People with Chronic Heart Failure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Sara Isernia et al. J Clin Med. .

Abstract

Introduction: Telerehabilitation (TR) for chronic heart failure (CHF) allows for overcoming distance barriers and reducing exacerbations. However, little is known about TR descriptors, components, and efficacy in CHF.

Methods: This work systematically reviewed the TR strategies of randomized controlled trials in people with CHF. A meta-analysis was run to test its effect on exercise capacity and quality of life compared to no rehabilitation (NI) and conventional intervention (CI).

Results: Out of 6168 studies, 11 were eligible for the systematic review, and 8 for the meta-analysis. TR intervention was individual and multidimensional, with a frequency varying from 2 to 5 times per 8-12 weeks. The TR components mainly included an asynchronous model, monitoring/assessment, decision, and offline feedback. A few studies provided a comprehensive technological kit. Minimal adverse events and high adherence were reported. A large effect of TR compared to NI and a non-inferiority effect compared to CI was registered on exercise capacity, but no effects of TR compared to NI and CI on quality of life were observed.

Conclusions: TR for people with CHF adopted established effective strategies. Future interventions may identify the precise TR dose for CHF, technological requirements, and engagement components affecting the patient's quality of life.

Keywords: cardiology; chronic heart failure; continuity of care; digital medicine; rehabilitation; telerehabilitation.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
CONSORT Flow Diagram.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Effect of TR on VO2 peak compared to NI [22,24,26,27,28].
Figure 3
Figure 3
Effect of TR on the 6MWD compared to NI [21,22,24,28].
Figure 4
Figure 4
Effect of TR on the 6MWD compared to CI [19,25].
Figure 5
Figure 5
Effect of TR on QoL compared to NI [21,22,24,27,28].
Figure 6
Figure 6
Effect of TR on QoL compared to CI [19,21,25,27].
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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