The Impact of a Home-based Pulmonary Telerehabilitation Program in Acute Exacerbations of COPD

COPD impacts a significant proportion of the Veteran population. Acute exacerbations, or flare-ups, of COPD are associated with impaired muscle function and worse quality of life. Pulmonary rehabilitation, a formal exercise program for patients with lung disease that includes both endurance and strength training exercises, has been shown to improve muscle function and quality of life after an acute exacerbation of COPD. However, lack of geographically accessible rehabilitation facilities and/or transportation issues are often barriers to pulmonary rehabilitation attendance in the Veteran population. This study will assess the feasibility and impact of an eight-week, three sessions per week, home-based, pulmonary telerehabilitation program in Veterans with COPD following hospitalization for an acute exacerbation of their lung disease. We will measure adherence and satisfaction with the program and muscle strength, physical activity, quality of life, and exercise tolerance pre and post-intervention in Veterans randomized to the pulmonary telerehabilitation arm versus Veterans randomized to the control arm who do not participate in pulmonary rehabilitation.