Role of Telerehabilitation in Patients With COPD: A Brief Review

Abstract

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a reversible lung disease that is characterised by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation. The airflow limitation may be due to alveolar and airway abnormalities, usually caused by significant exposure to noxious particles. India is estimated to have 30 million COPD patients at present. Chronic and progressive dyspnoea is the most common symptom of COPD. Dyspnoea is the major cause of anxiety and disability in COPD. There are various exercises for pulmonary rehabilitation for patients with COPD. Telerehabilitation is an approach in which rehabilitation is provided at the patient's work place, home, or other place through video-conferencing, video-based, or Gmail. Various physical exercises, such as strength exercise, endurance exercise, and breathing exercise, can help in the management of dyspnoea, quality of life, and exercise capacity. Studies have supported that telerehabilitation could result in better control of dyspnoea, quality of life, and exercise capacity in patients with COPD. Studies conducted till date have not reached a definitive conclusion for forming a definitive protocol for telerehabilitation exercise in patients with COPD. Hence, in order to establish a definitive telerehabilitation protocol for patients with COPD, further research needs to be conducted. Keywords: Telerehabilitation, Videoconferencing, Video-based, COPD, Quality of Life, Dyspnoea, Exercise Capacity