Efficacy of supervised home-based, real time, videoconferencing telerehabilitation in patients with type 2 diabetes: a single-blind randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: Exercise-based interventions prevent or delay symptoms and complications of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and are highly recommended for T2D patients; though with very low participation rates. Τelerehabilitation (TR) could act as an alternative to overcome the barriers preventing the promotion of T2D patients’ well-being. AIM: Determine the effects of a six-week TR program on glycemic control, functional capacity, muscle strength, PA, quality of life and body composition in patients with T2D. DESIGN: A multicenter randomized, single-blind, parallel-group clinical study. SETTING: Clinical trial. POPULATION: Patients with T2D. METHODS: Thirty T2D patients (75% male, 60.1±10.9 years) were randomly allocated to an intervention group (IG) and a control group (CG) with no exercise intervention. IG enrolled in a supervised, individualized exercise program (combination of aerobic and resistance exercises), 3 times/week for 6 weeks at home via a TR platform. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), six-minute walk test (6MWT), muscle strength (Hand Grip Strength Test [HGS], 30-Second Chair Stand test [30CST] physical activity [IPAQ-SF]), quality of life (SF-36) and anthropometric variables were assessed. RESULTS: Two-way repeated-ANOVA showed a statistically significant interaction between group, time and test differences (6MWT, muscle strength) (V=0.33, F [2.17]=4.14, P=0.03, partial η2=0.22). Paired samples t-test showed a statistically significant improvement in HbA1c (Z=-2.7), 6MWT (Μean Δ=-36.9±27.2 m, t=-4.5), muscle strength (Μean Δ=-1.5±1.4 kg, t=-2.22). Similarly, SF-36 (mental health [Μean Δ=-13.3±21.3%], general health [Μean Δ=-11.4±16.90%]) were statistically improved only in IG. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study indicate that a 6-week supervised home-based TR exercise program induced significant benefits in patients with T2D, thus enabling telehealth implementation in rehabilitation practice as an alternative approach. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT: Home-based exercise via the TR platform is a feasible and effective alternative approach that can help patients with T2D eliminate barriers and increase overall rehabilitation utilization.