Comparison of Telehealth and Onsite Supervised Maintenance Exercise Program for Adults With Chronic Lung Disease: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

What this Trial Is About

This trial studies adults aged 40 and older with Chronic Lung Disease who have recently completed traditional outpatient rehabilitation or physical therapy. It aims to compare the effects of an 8-week supervised maintenance exercise program delivered onsite, via telehealth, or no maintenance on breathing difficulty, exercise capacity, physical function, activity levels, and quality of life at 8 weeks and 4 months after intervention. The study is a randomized controlled pilot trial led by the MGH Institute of Health Professions. Participants are randomly assigned to one of three groups: onsite maintenance exercise, telehealth maintenance exercise, or a control group with no active intervention. Both exercise groups receive weekly 60-minute supervised sessions including inspiratory muscle training, education, warm-up, aerobic training tailored to individual capacity, functional strength exercises, and cool-down. The telehealth group participates remotely via Zoom using tablets loaned if needed. Control participants receive biweekly check-in calls and general home exercise instructions. All participants complete assessments at baseline, after 8 weeks, and at 4 months post-intervention. Evaluations include breathlessness scales, physical function tests, a six-minute walk test, physical activity questionnaires, quality of life surveys, inspiratory muscle strength, and vital signs. Researchers monitor adherence, healthcare use, and adverse events throughout. Participants keep activity logs, receive educational materials, and are compensated for their time. Safety precautions and study withdrawal options are clearly outlined.

Telehealth and Onsite Maintenance Exercise in Chronic Lung Disease