Feasibility and Clinical Outcomes of a 6-Month Home-Based Telerehabilitation Program in Patients with Peripheral Arterial Disease: A Prospective Single-Arm Study
TL;DR
The TR program was feasible and accompanied by increased activity and improved walking capacity, while resting ankle–brachial index and selected cardiopulmonary exercise testing parameters remained relatively stable.
Abstract
(1) Background: Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is associated with substantial cardiovascular morbidity and functional impairment. This study evaluated the feasibility and adherence of a 6-month home-based telerehabilitation (TR) program and longitudinal changes in functional capacity, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and selected cardiometabolic parameters. (2) Methods: This prospective, single-arm study enrolled 42 patients with PAD. Daily ambulation was monitored using a Xiaomi Smart Band 8, and participants received weekly telephone counseling. Assessments were performed at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. (3) Results: Median daily step count increased from 5868 to 6905 steps/day (p < 0.001), whereas attainment of progressively increasing weekly targets decreased from 58.33% to 16.66% (p < 0.001). Median 6 min walk test (6MWT) distance increased from 390 m to 445 m at 6 months, a 55 m increase (p = 0.001). HRQoL, systolic blood pressure, body mass index, and total cholesterol showed significant longitudinal changes, while resting ankle–brachial index and selected cardiopulmonary exercise testing parameters remained relatively stable (p > 0.05). (4) Conclusions: The TR program was feasible and accompanied by increased activity and improved walking capacity. The divergence between absolute activity and target attainment supports multidimensional adherence assessment. Causal effects cannot be established given the single-arm design.