The Effects of Telerehabilitation in Patients With COPD

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is a serious public health problem worldwide and it is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity. Nowadays, COPD patients are increasing in all societies and the problems that arise during the life of these patients increase the need for care and rehabilitation. Pulmonary rehabilitation has proven to be the best supportive treatment for individuals with COPD. However, there are difficulties in rehabilitation practices in terms of the fragility of patients, transportation and access problems. Telerehabilitation allows patients who cannot access rehabilitation due to their geographical, economic or physical disabilities to benefit from rehabilitation services. There are different studies demonstrating the effect of telerehabilitation in COPD patients and confirming that it is safe, but it is a developing area and has a limited area of use. In this randomized controlled study, it is aimed to examine the effect of telerehabilitation training on respiratory functions, exercise capacity, quality of life, fatigue and psychosocial factors in individuals with COPD via video conferencing including respiratory exercises and postural exercises.