Table 2.
Methodological Quality of Studies That Have Evaluated the Effects of Internet Mediated Rehabilitation in COPD Patients
| Study | Randomization Process | Blinding of Assessors | Intention-to-Treat Analysis | Adverse Events | Adherence/Compliance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Galdiz (2020)16 | Stratified by centre | No | Yes | 56 acute exacerbations (26 patients) in IG vs 47 in CG (21 patients) | Adherence to scheduled appointments 92.4% in IG and 84.4% in CG |
| Chaplin (2017)17 | Simple randomization | Yes | No - 41 dropouts | No | NR |
| Demeyer (2017)18 | Stratified by centre | Yes | No - 15 dropouts | 48 patients (30%) from CG and 43 patients (27%) from IG experienced at least one exacerbation. 11 musculoskeletal events in IG, 2 in CG | Patients used step counter >6 days out of 7. Minimum was 4 days out of 7 |
| Vasilopoulou (2016)19 | Simple randomization | No | No - 3 dropouts | NR | Overall compliance to the different components of home-based maintenance tele-rehabilitation was 93.5% |
| Vorrink (2016)20 | Simple randomization, no stratification | Yes | No - 36 dropouts | NR | Adherence in wearing the device 89%. On average, physical activity goal obtained only in 34% of days |
| Moy (2015)21 | Stratified by modified Medical Research Council dyspnea score and urban versus rural status | Yes | Yes | Minor musculoskeletal adverse events significantly more in IG (26,6%, 41/154) compared to CG (4,8%, 4/84) | Adherence in IG: 94% of participants completed the survey and 86% uploaded valid data. In CG: 95% completed the survey and 81% uploaded valid data |
| Moy (2016)22 | Stratified by modified Medical Research Council dyspnea score and urban versus rural status | Yes | Yes | Minor musculoskeletal adverse events significantly more in IG (27,9%, 43/154) compared to CG (10%, 8/84) in addition in IG:6 pulmonary, 3 cardiac, 5 others. CG: 1 pulmonary, 1 cardiac, 3 other | Adherence significantly higher in IG with mean 76.7% of the 366 days having valid data versus CG mean 63.7%. Number of log-ins to the website in IG decreased significantly (mean 6.8 at month 1 declined to mean 3 at month 12) |
| Wang (2014)23 | Simple randomization | No | No - 6 dropouts | NR | NR |
| Tabak (2014)15 | Stratified by gender | No | No - 4 dropouts | NR | On average was the device worn in 109% of prescribed sessions. Overall compliance with activity coach (monitoring device) was 86%. Patients made only 58% of prescribed reports |
| Liu (2008)24 | Simple randomization | No | No - 12 dropouts | NR | 100% adherence during supervised period. 50% adherence in self-managed period |
Abbreviations: NR, not reported; IG, intervention group; CG, control group.