Tablet computers to support outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with COPD. Issue 1 (1st January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ringbaek, Thomas J.; Lavesen, Marie; Lange, Peter
• Is Part Of: European clinical respiratory journal. Volume 3:Issue 1(2016)
• Publication Date: 2016-01-01
• Subjects: COPD -- telemonitoring -- pulmonary rehabilitation -- quality of life -- technology -- outcome; Lungs -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Respiratory organs -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Lung Diseases; Lungs -- Diseases; Respiratory organs -- Diseases; Europe; Periodicals; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 616.24
• DOI: 10.3402/ecrj.v3.31016
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2001-8525

Abstract

Abstract : Background: A minicomputer (tablet) with instructions and a training diary has the potential of facilitating adherence to pulmonary rehabilitation (PR). Objective: To evaluate the effect of adding a tablet to a classic outpatient PR programme for COPD patients. Methods: A total of 115 patients participated in a 7- to 10-week outpatient PR programme in groups of 10–12 individuals. Half of the groups were assigned to PR plus a tablet (tablet group) and the other groups were assigned to PR only (controls). Primary effect parameters were endurance shuttle walk time (ESWT) and disease-specific health status (COPD Assessment Test=CAT). Results: The change in ESWT was significantly better in the control group (mean 167 sec) compared with the tablet group (mean 51 sec) ( p <0.01), whereas the change in CAT score did not differ significantly between the two groups (−0.6 vs. −2.3) ( p= 0.17). Conclusions: Compared with usual PR, no significant improvements were seen in the group equipped with the tablet after 7–10 weeks of rehabilitation. Future studies should focus on long-term effects.