Comparing the Effectiveness of Tele-Rehabilitation vs. In-Person Therapy in Enhancing Pulmonary Capacity in Patients with Chronic Respiratory Conditions: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Kilani Kusuma*, K V C Lakshmi Kowsalya and P Kamala Kumari

Pulmonary rehabilitation is essential for managing chronic respiratory diseases, post-COVID-19 recovery, and optimizing lung function in various populations. The emergence of Tele- rehabilitation (TR) has provided an alternative to in-person therapy (IPT), especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. This review compares the effectiveness of Tele-rehabilitation and in- person therapy in enhancing pulmonary capacity, focusing on breathing exercises, inspiratory muscle training (IMT), aerobic conditioning, and airway clearance techniques. Studies suggest that Tele-rehabilitation programs using video-guided breathing exercises, virtual coaching, and mobile health applications can yield comparable improvements in lung function (e.g., FEV1, FVC, VO2 max) to conventional in-person sessions. However, challenges such as patient adherence, real-time monitoring, and lack of hands-on interventions may limit TR’s effectiveness in complex cases. Conversely, IPT remains the gold standard due to direct physiotherapist supervision, personalized interventions, and immediate feedback. The review highlights the need for hybrid models combining both approaches to maximize accessibility while maintaining clinical effectiveness. Future research should explore AI-driven rehabilitation, virtual reality (VR)-assisted programs, and wearable technology to enhance Tele- rehabilitation outcomes.

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