Feasibility of Smartphone-Based Physical Activity Tele-Coaching in Lung Transplant Recipients; an Interim Analysis

• Published in: The Journal of heart and lung transplantation Vol. 41; no. 4; p. S405
• Main Authors: Hume, E., Muse, H., Wallace, K., Wilkinson, M., Marshall, K. Heslop, Nair, A., Sanchez, J., Benavent, J., Rolden, J., Clark, S., Vogiatzis, I.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Inc 01.04.2022
• ISSN: 1053-2498; 1557-3117
• DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2022.01.1577

The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the demand for tele-medicine, particularly for lung transplant (LTX) recipients who are immunosuppressed and often live far from transplant centres. We report the feasibility of a 3-month semi-automated tele-coaching intervention in this population. The intervention consists of a pedometer and smartphone app, allowing transmission of activity data to a platform (Linkcare v2.7) that provides feedback, activity goals, education and contact with the researcher as required. Remote assessment pre- and post-intervention included patient acceptability using a project specific questionnaire, physical activity using accelerometry (Actigraph GT3X), HADS and the SF-36 questionnaire. So far, all eligible patients approached were willing to be randomised to the intervention or usual care (n=14; COPD=4, ILD=7; CF=1; PH=2). For the intervention, usage of the pedometer was excellent, with patients wearing it for 6.9±0.1 days/week and rating the pedometer and telephone contact (9±2 out of 10) as the most vital aspects. Patient feedback has been positive, with 80% of patients responding that they ‘liked’ taking part and that it ‘helped them a lot’ to increase their activity levels. Daily steps and VMU are presented in Figure 1 and SF-36 scores in Figure 2. There were no changes in HADS scores between groups. Tele-coaching appears feasible in LTX recipients, with patients showing excellent adherence and providing positive feedback after 3 months. This is promising, with the on-going need to develop and evaluate ways of supporting patients remotely.