Keywords

cardiometabolic multimorbidity, exercise training, health-related quality of life, physical activity, telehealth

Authors

1. Chiang, Shang-Lin MD, PhD
2. Shen, Chien-Lung PhD
3. Chen, Liang-Cheng MD
4. Lo, Yi-Pang RN, MSN
5. Lin, Chueh-Ho PT, PhD
6. Lin, Chia-Huei RN, PhD

Abstract

Background: Exercise training has positive effects on the management of cardiometabolic conditions. Little is known about the effectiveness of home-based telehealth exercise training programs among patients with cardiometabolic multimorbidity, which is associated with functional decline and decreased health-related quality of life.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a 12-week home-based telehealth exercise training program designed to increase physical activity and exercise capacity and improve health-related quality of life in patients with cardiometabolic multimorbidity.

Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted. Fifty eligible patients with 2 or more cardiometabolic conditions from outpatient clinics of a medical center in Northern Taiwan were randomized to either an experimental group (EG; received a 12-week home-based telehealth exercise training program) or a control group (CG; maintained usual lifestyles). The home-based telehealth exercise training program consisted of 36 individualized home-based exercise training sessions and a weekly reminder for maintenance of exercise and providing patient support. Amounts of physical activity, exercise capacity, and health-related quality of life were assessed at baseline and 12 weeks. Generalized estimating equations were used to examine the intervention effects via the interaction of time and group.

Results: The EG had higher amounts of physical activity ([beta] = 1333, P = .004) and moderate-intensity physical activity ([beta] = 330, P = .04) than the CG after the intervention. The EG had increased exercise capacity (VO_2peak, [beta] = 4.43, P = .04), as well as improved health-related quality of life (physical function, [beta] = 7.55, P = .03; and physical component summary, [beta] = 4.42, P = .03) compared with those in the CG.

Conclusions: A 12-week home-based telehealth exercise training program is feasible and effective in increasing amounts of physical activity, elevating exercise capacity, and improving health-related quality of life in patients with cardiometabolic multimorbidity.