We investigated the usefulness and effectiveness of tele-rehabilitation on exercise capacity in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). A randomized study was carried out, including stable patients with IPF for 3 months of tele-rehabilitation: video and chat consultations with a physiotherapist and workout sessions with a virtual physiotherapist agent (VAPA). Moreover, 6-min walk test distance (6MWTD), forced vital capacity (FVC), diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO), 7 days pedometry, Saint George Respiratory Questionnaire for interstitial lung disease, The King’s Brief Interstitial Lung Disease Questionnaire, and General Anxiety Disorder 7 Questionnaire were tested before and after 3 months of tele-rehabilitation, as well as after 3 and 6 months follow-up. Patient satisfaction and adherence were also measured for tele-rehabilitation with VAPA. Twenty-nine patients aged 70.9 ± 8.6 years, male 72.4%, FVC% 83.5 ± 17.7, DLCO% 50.6 ± 13.0, 6MWTD 468.4 ± 14.8 were included. Fifteen patients were randomized to tele-rehabilitation with VAPA and 14 to the control group. Differences in 6MWTD between groups were at baseline (+10 m (p = 0.11)) and after 3 (+39.5 m (p = 0.03)), 6 (+34.3 m (p = 0.02)), and 9 months (+40.5 m (p = 0.15)) follow-up. No difference was observed in pedometry and quality of life. Adherence was above 63%. Patient satisfaction was high. Tele-rehabilitation with VAPA appears to be useful in patients with IPF. Exercise capacity was better at follow up at 3 and 6 months compared with the control group. There was no change in quality of life or pedometry. Adherence and patient satisfaction were all high.

In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), rehabilitation is recommended, but attendance rates are low. Tele-rehabilitation may be key. We evaluate the effect of a tele-rehabilitation program vs. standard rehabilitation on COPD. A randomized, non-inferiority study comparing eight weeks of tele-rehabilitation (physiotherapist video/chat-consultations and workout sessions with a virtual-autonomous-physiotherapist-agent (VAPA)) and standard rehabilitation in stable patients with COPD. At baseline, after 8 weeks and 3 and 6 months of follow-up, 6 min walk test distance (6MWTD), 7-day pedometry, quality of life, exercise tolerance, adherence, patient satisfaction and safety were assessed. Fifty-four patients (70 ± 9 years, male 57%, FEV1% 34.53 ± 11.67, FVC% 68.8 ± 18.81, 6MWT 376.23 ± 92.02) were included. Twenty-seven patients were randomized to tele-rehabilitation. Non-inferiority in Δ6MWTD at 8 weeks (47.4 ± 31.4), and at 3 (56.0 ± 38.0) and 6 (95.2 ± 47.1) months follow-up, was observed. No significant difference was observed in 7-day pedometry or quality of life. In the intervention group, 6MWTD increased by 25% and 66% at 3 and 6 months, respectively; adherence was 81%; and patient satisfaction was 4.27 ± 0.77 (Likert scale 0–5). Non-inferiority between groups and high adherence, patient satisfaction and safety in the intervention group were found after rehabilitation and at 3 and 6 months of follow-up. Tele-rehabilitation with VAPA seems to be a promising alternative.