Cardiac Telerehabilitation　― A Solution for Cardiovascular Care in Japan ―

Abstract

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a well-known intervention for the secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases. However, in Japan, the outpatient CR participation rate is estimated to be very low. Cardiac telerehabilitation (CTR) can be defined as a remote CR program using digital health technology to support it. Evidence regarding the use of CTR has been accumulated, and the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the need for CTR. Japan has sufficient potential to benefit from CTR because, nationally, digital literacy is high and the infrastructure for telemedicine is developed. To overcome several barriers, evidence of CTR in Japan, well-educated multidisciplinary CTR teams, a good combination of center-based CR and CTR, and sophisticated systems including social insurance and adequate legislation need to be developed immediately. CTR has the potential to increase the low CR participation rate in Japan. CTR also has many different effects that not only cardiologists, but also paramedics who engage in CTR, have to be aware of.

Effect of Constant vs. Variable Moderate-Intensity Load on Peak Oxygen Uptake in Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation

“…Expanding the adaptation of HIIT and home-based CR using new technologies, such as telerehabilitation, should be considered to take advantage of the small differences in exercise intensity within MICT. 18, 19 Although home-based CR is not currently covered by health insurance in Japan, the results of the present study show its importance as an alternative to O-CBCR.…”

The impact of cardiac rehabilitation for older adults with heart failure who underwent invasive cardiac treatment eligible for long‐term care needs certification: A retrospective cohort study

“…Cardiac telerehabilitation (CTR) can increase the low‐CR implementation rates in Japan. In fact, Japan has sufficient potential to benefit from CTR given its developed infrastructure for telemedicine 27 . To ensure the effective use of CTR, there is a need to improve digital technology, accumulate evidence, and expand the insurance system, as well as enhance the collaboration within good multidisciplinary teams for CTR, including cardiologists, paramedics, and general physicians.…”

Telemonitoring during Exercise Training in Cardiac Telerehabilitation: A Review

“…Re-cently, the development of e-health and digital devices has increased the feasibility of telemedicine. HBCR with telemedicine (tele-CR) has been reported to be a good alternative system to CBCR [12,13]. Unlike CBCR, the lack of close vital monitoring or supervision by neighboring healthcare professionals in tele-CR may pose risks in CR sessions, thus raising safety concerns.…”