AB1496 THE EFFECTS OF TELEREHABILITATION BASED EXERCISE PROGRAM IN PATIENTS WITH SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS

Abstract

BackgroundSystemic Sclerosis (SSc) is a rare, systemic autoimmune disease characterized by skin fibrosis and vasculopathy [1]. Patients may experience a decrease in their daily activities, physical activity levels and quality of life, while psychological problems such as anxiety and depression may increase. In order to eliminate or reduce these symptoms and the consequences of symptoms, exercise programs for the patient, as well as medical treatment, are an important part of the treatment [2, 3]. Telerehabilitation increases overall health awareness, treatment adherence, and satisfaction by enabling patients to take an active role in decision-making and disease management [4]. Telerehabilitation replaces the traditional face-to-face treatment approach, allowing patients to access treatment remotely [5, 6]. In addition Telerehabilitation enabled patients with chronic diseases to access exercise during the COVID 19 pandemic [7].ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to investigate the effect of telerehabilitation-based exercise program in patients with SSc.MethodsForty-six SSc patients were included in the study. The patients were randomly divided into two groups as telerehabilitation and control group. Youtube videos consisting of clinical pilates-based exercises were uploaded to the system so that only the patients in the telerehabilitation group could see it. In the telerehabilitation group; An exercise program was applied for eight weeks, twice a day. Video interviews were conducted with the patients once a week. To the control group; the same exercises were given to the telerehabilitation group. An eight-week exercise program was given in the form of a home program. Brochure introducing the exercises was given and exercises were taught. Pain, dyspnea, fatigue, physical activity, anxiety-depression, sleep and quality of life levels were evaluated in all patients at the beginning of the study and at the end of the eight weeks.ResultsDemographic and clinical features of the patient groups were similar (p>0.05). After the exercise program, pain, fatigue, anxiety-depression levels decreased in the telerehabilitation group compared to the control group, while sleep quality and quality of life increased (p<0.05). The results of the study induced that both exercise programs improve pain, fatigue, anxiety-depression, physical activity, sleep quality and quality of life in SSc patients. The telerehabilitation-based treatment program are more and more effective than the home program.ConclusionOur study shows that this innovative treatment program should be applied especially in SSc patients and it will be beneficial.