The effectiveness and feasibility of virtual pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with chronic respiratory diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of virtual pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) in patients with chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs).

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, CNKI, Wanfang, VIP and APA PsycInfo database were searched since the establishment of the database to July 26, 2024. Data extraction and quality assessment were independently conducted by two reviewers. The methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool 2. RevMan v5.4 was performed to meta-analysis.

RESULTS

This meta-analysis and systematic review included 19 studies (1222 CRDs patients). Meta-analysis showed that compared with the control group, virtual PR increased exercise capacity (MD: 22.88, 95 % CI: 15.54 to 30.23), quality of life (QOL) [COPD Assessment Test (CAT): -3.23, -3.62 to 2.85] and dyspnea (Modified Medical Research Council: -0.38, -0.62 to -0.14). Virtual PR demonstrated statistical significance in improving lung function (forced expiratory volume in 1 s in predicted: 6.30, 3.39 to 9.21; the ratio of forced expiratory volume to forced vital capacity in the first second: 9.18, 8.02 to 10.33) and compliance (4.05, 2.26 to 7.27). Mean changes in CAT, anxiety, depression, and cognitive function reached Minimal clinically important difference (MCID) thresholds. However, Borg score, St George' s respiratory questionnaire (SGRQ) did not show any change. In narrative analysis, virtual PR reported fewer adverse reactions, but the economic benefits should be considered.

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review thoroughly investigates the effectiveness and feasibility of virtual PR for patients with CRDs, and preliminarily verifies the potential promotion value of virtual PR.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42024581851.