Pulmonary rehabilitation is a key treatment for lung diseases, but many patients struggle to attend sessions due to travel distances, physical limitations, or logistical barriers. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether a tele-pulmonary rehabilitation (TPR) program can improve the rates of treatment initiation and adherence among patients with chronic lung diseases compared to traditional, center-based pulmonary rehabilitation. Additionally, the study will assess improvements in quality of life, physical symptoms, and safety in both groups.
This study will enroll 90 patients from two medical centers in Israel (Tel Aviv and Barzilai). Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups:
1. The control group will receive usual care with a referral by a pulmonologist to standard pulmonary rehabilitation at a medical center. 2. The intervention group will participate in a supervised remote tele-rehabilitation program using a dedicated application and remote monitoring.
COPD with an FEV1 below 50% or with severe exacerbation (hospitalization) in the previous year or two moderate exacerbations in the previous year.
Interstitial lung disease with an FVC below 80% or a DLCO below 60%.
Bronchiectasis with at least two exacerbations in the past year or at least one hospitalization, and an FEV1 below 80%.
Pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Uncontrolled comorbidity (e.g uncontrolled congestive heart failure)
Inability to operate the mobile application.
Without a mobile device or computer.
A hospitalization in the 2-months prior to randomization.
Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center
Lead sponsor
Barzilai Medical Center
Collaborator
International Respiratory Coalition (IRC)
Collaborator