Home-monitored Telerehabilitation in COPD Patients

Study title Feasibility and effectiveness of a home monitored rehabilitation intervention using an exergaming approach in COPD patients - a randomized, controlled study. Background and rationale Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a common chronic disease characterized by persistent airflow limitation caused by significant exposure to noxious particles or gases, particularly cigarette smoking. In Sweden the prevalence of COPD is approximately 8% and the annual estimated cost for society of 9.1 billion SEK. Improving exercise capacity and physical activity levels are important goals in management of patients with COPD and are strong determinants of positive outcomes, including increased quality of life. Major barrier for rehabilitation recommendations is the limited access and adherence to organized center-based exercise programs. Major barriers related to the side of health care organization are budgets and infrastructure and the limitation in time of the programs. From patient's perspective major barriers exist, like distance, and lack of transport to the unit, also in relation to the frequency of the program, which is commonly two times a week. Research question and objectives The primary objective of this study is to investigate whether home-based telemonitored supervised exercise programs using an exergaming approach will be associated to improved physical fitness, measured with the (1-minute sit-to-stand test, 1-MSTST) compared to the ordinary care. The secondary objectives of this study are: 1. To investigate whether a home-based exergaming program is associated with improved health-related quality of life, exercise capacity, physical activity levels and body composition. 2. To investigate if the home-based exergaming program is associated with less exacerbations. 3. To investigate if the home-based exergaming program is associated with improved health care utilization and/or less hospitalization from all causes? Study design This is an open l