Cardiac rehabilitation via telerehabilitation in COVID-19 pandemic situation

Abstract

Background Adherence to medication and lifestyle changes are very important in the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. One of the ways is by doing a cardiac rehabilitation program. Main body of the abstract Cardiac rehabilitation program is divided into three phases. The cardiac rehabilitation program’s implementation, especially the second phase, center-based cardiac rehabilitation (CBCR), has many barriers not to participate optimally. Therefore, the third phase, known as home-based cardiac rehabilitation (HBCR), can become a substitute or addition to CBCR. On the other hand, this phase is also an essential part of the patients’ functional capacity. During the coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic, HBCR has become the leading solution in the cardiac rehabilitation program’s sustainability. Innovation is needed in its implementation, such as telerehabilitation. So, the cardiac rehabilitation program can be implemented by patients and monitored by health care providers continuously. Short conclusion Physicians play an essential role in motivating patients and encouraging their family members to commit to a sustainable CR program with telerehabilitation to facilitate its implementation.

Cardiac Rehabilitation in Patients with Peripheral Artery Disease—A Literature Review in COVID-19 Era

“…Group sessions, easy to apply exercise programs and facilitating the access to telerehabilitation for vulnerable patients are practical tips which are easy to apply. Lending devices such as smartphones or smart tables to patients in order to participate in individual session increases adherence among PAD patients enrolled in CR programs [5,59]. As an alternative to traditional exercise programs, during the COVID-19 pandemic patients were encouraged to perform gymnastic movements of muscular strengthening, stretching training and online relaxation sessions previously explained via videos [7,59].…”

“…Lending devices such as smartphones or smart tables to patients in order to participate in individual session increases adherence among PAD patients enrolled in CR programs [5,59]. As an alternative to traditional exercise programs, during the COVID-19 pandemic patients were encouraged to perform gymnastic movements of muscular strengthening, stretching training and online relaxation sessions previously explained via videos [7,59]. The devices used are often equipped with a series of sensors designed to monitor vital parameters in order to prevent complications and store them in servers easily accessible by healthcare professionals [13,60].…”

Efficacy, efficiency and safety of a cardiac telerehabilitation programme using wearable sensors in patients with coronary heart disease: the TELEWEAR-CR study protocol

“… 17–19 Moreover, during the COVID-19 pandemic, new barriers have arisen, such as the suspension of centre-based CR and in-person sessions, travelling and circulation restrictions. 20 21 Thus, the need to avoid the downgrading of CR is imperative. 22 …”

“… 30 Recent systematic reviews advocate to the use of telehealth interventions as an adjunct to CR 31–33 for the continuance of CR through pandemic circumstances. 20 21 …”

Cardiac Rehabilitation and Mortality Risk Reduction in Peripheral Artery Disease at 6-Month Outcome

“…Atherosclerosis is the basis of the cardiovascular continuum, which includes a variety of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) such as myocardial infarction, aortic aneurysm, peripheral vascular disease or stroke [ 1 ]. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is the result a multifactorial and chronic condition affecting the inferior vascular axis of the lower limbs with increasing prevalence and marked economic and social impact despite the medical progress made in recent decades.…”