Telerehabilitation in post-tuberculosis lung disease: a protocol for a randomized controlled clinical trial

Abstract

Background: Few studies have evaluated structured telerehabilitation programs for individuals with post-tuberculosis lung disease (PTLD), resulting in a lack of specific guidelines. This protocol aims to evaluate the physical capacity and quality of life (QoL) of PTLD patients undergoing telerehabilitation. Methods: This randomized, controlled clinical trial has received internal review board approval and will recruit participants between December 2024 and June 2025, from a referral center in Brazil. Individuals thought to have PTLD, with a mini-mental state examination score >24 and no physical limitations or comorbidities unrelated to pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) will be screened using imaging, total blood count, and biochemical profile. Those with confirmed PTLD will undergo the assessments of: QoL, and physical capacity (spirometry, body composition, calf circumference, six-minute walk test (6MWT), five-times-sit-to-stand test (FTSST), handgrip and isokinetic dynamometry). After that, the participants will be randomly allocated to control or intervention groups. While both groups will receive general guidance on health education and TB prevention, the intervention group will also receive a physiotherapy booklet with instructions for exercises to be performed five times a week for eight weeks. Participants of both groups will be monitored by videoconference, and the same assessment tools will be used to reevaluate QoL and physical capacity outcomes. Conclusions: The results may demonstrate the benefits of a telerehabilitation program on the physical capacity and QoL of PTLD patients, and may improve accessibility, cost savings, and personalized care through home-based therapy by videoconferencing. Trial registration: CAAE: 10481219.9.0000.5257. This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04844502).