Functional capacity and quality of life after telerehabilitation in post-tuberculosis lung disease: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE

Despite advances in diagnosis and treatment, approximately 50% of individuals affected by tuberculosis develop post-tuberculosis lung disease (PTLD), leading to functional limitations and reduced quality of life (QoL). Pulmonary rehabilitation programs have demonstrated benefits in patients with PTLD; however, access remains limited, and telerehabilitation may offer a cost-effective solution. This study sought to compare physical capacity and QoL in patients with PTLD following an eight-week telerehabilitation program.

METHODS

This was a randomized controlled trial including 30 participants with confirmed PTLD. They were recruited and randomly assigned to an intervention group that received weekly telerehabilitation or a control group that received standard care. The interventions included aerobic training, breathing exercises, strength training, and stretching exercises. Physical capacity and QoL were assessed before and after the interventions by means of isokinetic dynamometry, the six-minute walk test, the five-repetition sit-to-stand test, spirometry, handgrip strength, the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), and the Saint George's Respiratory Questionnaire.

RESULTS

After eight weeks, the intervention group showed significant improvements in all physical capacity parameters and QoL. Quadriceps strength correlated significantly with the physical functioning and mental health domains of the SF-36.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that telerehabilitation is an effective approach for enhancing physical function and QoL in patients with PTLD.