Exercise Prescription Via Telerehabilitation for Older Adults With Cardiopulmonary Disease in Antioquia, Colombia

Objective: To evaluate the effects of telerehabilitation with physical exercise in older adults with cardiorespiratory disease in Antioquia, Colombia. Methods: This study will be a single controlled trial conducted at a single center. A sample of 50 older adults with cardiorespiratory diseases will be included. The intervention group will consist of 25 subjects receiving a multicomponent physical exercise intervention (aerobic, strength, flexibility, and neuromotor) delivered by a physical therapist via the Microsoft Teams platform. The control group will consist of 25 subjects receiving traditional physical therapy at home from a physical therapist. The intervention will be pre-registered on "ClinicalTrials.gov". Expected Results: An improvement in quality of life, measured by the WHOQOL-Bref (World Health Organization Quality of Life), an increase in physical condition assessed with the Senior Fitness Test battery, and a reduction in frailty measured by the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) are expected. Additionally, the development of a cardiopulmonary telerehabilitation protocol is anticipated.

This study will explore the effects of prescribing physical exercise through telerehabilitation for older adults with cardiorespiratory diseases in Antioquia, Colombia. It will aim to determine which exercise prescriptions are most beneficial and feasible for this population within a telerehabilitation model, taking into account the specific conditions they face. The study will address three main questions. First, it will identify which types of physical exercises are most suitable for older adults with various cardiorespiratory conditions when delivered via telerehabilitation. Second, it will examine how to best implement these exercises to ensure safety, engagement, and effectiveness through remote guidance. Finally, the study will evaluate the benefits of telerehabilitation-prescribed physical exercises, particularly regarding improvements in quality of life for older adults managing these health conditions.