Effects of Different Telerehabilitation Methods In Patients With Hypertension (TELE-HT)

This study aims to compare two different ways of providing exercise therapy to people with high blood pressure (hypertension) through digital technology. Participants are divided into two groups: one group performs exercises at home while being watched and guided by a physiotherapist in real-time through video calls (synchronous). The other group performs the same exercises by watching pre-recorded videos on their own (asynchronous). The study measures how these two methods affect the patients' exercise capacity, daily blood pressure levels, heart functions, and their ability to manage their own health over an 8-week period.

In this randomized, controlled, single-blinded study, 35 hypertensive individuals are assigned to either a synchronous telerehabilitation (STR) or an asynchronous telerehabilitation (ATR) group. Both groups perform an 8-week aerobic-based calisthenics program consisting of 24 sessions (3 sessions per week, 45 minutes each). The STR group exercises under the live supervision of a physiotherapist via videoconferencing. The ATR group uses pre-recorded video content and maintains an exercise diary. During all sessions, heart rate is monitored in real-time using wearable smartbands to maintain a submaximal intensity (70-85% of age-predicted maximum heart rate). Assessments performed at baseline and at the 8th week include ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM), transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), maximal stress tests, self-care inventories, physical activity and body composition.