Effects of telerehabilitation on cardiac remodeling and hemodynamics parameters in hypertensive older adults: A randomized controlled trial

• Published in: Journal of telemedicine and telecare p. 1357633X241236572
• Main Authors: Rodrigues-da-Silva, Anderson Jm, Suassuna, Jennifer As, Monteiro, Eduardo Dos Ss, Borges de Lima, Isabelle A, Santos, Amilton da Cruz, Brasileiro-Santos, Maria do Socorro
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 14.03.2024
• Subjects: blood pressure; cardiac structure and function; elderly; telehealth; randomised controlled trial; Telerehabilitation; cardiology
• ISSN: 1758-1109
• DOI: 10.1177/1357633X241236572

This study aimed to assess the effects of telerehabilitation with multimodal exercise on cardiac remodeling and blood pressure in hypertensive older adults. Thirty-two hypertensive older adults (66.7 ± 5.33 years; 29.5 ± 4.22 Kg/m ; 24 female) were randomized into either a telerehabilitation or a control group. Echocardiographic parameters and blood pressure were assessed before and after the 16-week intervention. The exercise program was supervised, individualized, and offered 3×/week via videoconference. Blood pressure significantly decreased after telerehabilitation when compared to the control group, presenting a large effect size. The moderate effect size in relative and posterior wall thickness (  = 0.63;  = 0.61), shortening fraction (  = 0.54), and ejection fraction (  = 0.68). As a preliminary study, telerehabilitation is favorable to promote a moderate clinical improvement of some cardiac morphofunctional parameters and reduce blood pressure in hypertensive older adults.