Effect of a virtual cardiac rehabilitation program on patients with hypertension: A randomized trial

Abstract

Introduction: Hypertension is among the main primary factors for the cause of death from cardiovascular diseases. Among the treatments for hypertension, physical exercise has stood out. However, the adherence of patients with hypertension to the practice of physical exercises is low, and thus strategies such as virtual rehabilitation may be beneficial, in addition to increasing adherence. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a virtual cardiovascular rehabilitation (VCR) program on arterial blood pressure, physical conditioning and the quality of life of patients with hypertension. Methods: This is a randomized clinical trial with 59 patients with hypertension, divided into three groups: conventional cardiac rehabilitation (CCR), VCR and control (CO). Before and after the intervention period the patients were submitted to anthropometric data (BMI, body mass index), vital data (SBP, systolic blood pressure; DBP, diastolic blood pressure), quality of life (SF-36 questionnaire), respiratory muscle strength (MIP, maximum inspiratory pressure; MEP, maximum expiratory pressure) and functional capacity (6-MWT, six-minute walk test) assessment. Both VCR and CCR groups underwent aerobic training. Results: VCR protocol increased functional capacity (p < 0.001), expiratory muscle strength (p < 0.002), and quality of life in the domains in relation to limitation of physical (p < 0.018), emotional aspects (p < 0.019), social aspects (p < 0.042), and mental health (p < 0.002) when baseline and post-intervention were compared. Conclusion: The VCR program is an effective treatment strategy for improving the physical capacity and quality of life of patients with hypertension.

Investigation of the involvement of platelet-activating factor in the control of hypertension by aerobic training. A randomized controlled trial

“…A study conducted by our research group also demonstrated increased expiratory muscle strength and reduced SBP levels in hypertensive subjects after eek aerobic exercise training [ 53 ]. In addition, another study using aerobic exercises for upper and lower limbs through virtual cardiac rehabilitation for 15 weeks found increased expiratory muscle strength and reduced DBP in hypertensive patients [ 23 ].…”

“…These parameters were evaluated with the individual in the sitting position using an analogue manovacuometer with a scale ranging from -120 to +120 cmH 2 O. A silicone mouthpiece adapter with a distal hole, which was sealed during each respiratory manoeuvre, was used to facilitate pressure recording [ 23 ].…”

Non-Immersive Virtual Reality-Based Therapy Applied in Cardiac Rehabilitation: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

“…Of these, 169 references were excluded by title/abstract and 16 for not meeting the inclusion criteria (reasons in Figure 1). In the end, nine RCTs [61][62][63][64][65][66][67][68][69] were included in the present systematic review with meta-analysis of interventions, and three of these nine studies [64,66,67] were included in the proportional meta-analysis to estimate the proportion of adverse events during niVR exposition. The PRISMA flow diagram, in Figure 1, summarizes this process.…”

Internet technologies in the psychological rehabilitation of patients with cardiovascular diseases: literature review

“…Обучающие программы на основе виртуальной реальности дают пациентам возможность улучшать избирательное внимание, развивать навыки коммуникации с другими людьми и медицинским персоналом в безопасной и контролируемой среде [49]. Онлайн-программа реабилитации с использованием виртуальной реальности для пациентов с АГ стала эффективной стратегией для повышения физической работоспособности, улучшения эмоционального состояния и качества жизни пациентов [50].…”

“…Рост вовлечённости пациентов в ПР посредством Интернета может быть связан со снижением материальных затрат на ПР, поскольку это касается как медицинских расходов на проведение реабилитационных мероприятий, так и личных затрат пациентов, связанных с участием в этих мероприятиях [56]. Интересные и увлекательные задания оказывают мотивационное воздействие и тем самым повышают приверженность [50]. Сокращение объёма текста и увеличение количества мультимедийного контента, включая интерактивные материалы (например, видеотрансляции, подкасты, анимации и игры), также может улучшить приверженность и снизить риск отказа от реабилитации.…”