Effectiveness of a tele-pulmonary rehabilitation program in individuals at risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease from artificial intelligence predictions
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Abstract
Background: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a major global health burden, and early intervention in at-risk individuals may improve outcomes. Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) offer novel means of identifying individuals at risk of COPD, enabling targeted preventive strategies. Tele-pulmonary rehabilitation (Tele-PR) has shown promise in managing chronic respiratory conditions, but its effectiveness in AI-identified at-risk individuals remains underexplored.
Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of a 12-week Tele-PR program in improving disease-related symptoms, muscular strength, and exercise capacity in individuals identified as at risk of COPD by AI prediction.
Materials and methods: Out of 286 screened participants, 38 were identified by AI as being at risk of COPD and enrolled in the study. They were allocated by village-level cluster assignment (quasi-experimental design) to either an intervention group (N=20) or a control group (N=18). The intervention group participated in a Tele-PR program conducted three sessions per week for 12 weeks. The control group received only verbal information on COPD and preventive self-management. Outcome measures included the modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnea scale, COPD Assessment Test (CAT), back and leg muscle strength using a dynamometer, and six-minute walk distance (6MWD). Assessments were conducted at baseline and post-intervention.
Results: All participants completed the study without adverse events. Following the intervention, the Tele-PR group showed a statistically significant improvement in 6MWD compared to the control group (p=0.011). However, no significant differences were observed between groups in mMRC scores, CAT scores, or muscle strength measurements.
Conclusion: A 12-week Tele-PR program significantly enhances exercise capacity, as measured by 6MWD, in individuals identified by AI as being at risk for COPD. These findings support the use of Tele-PR as an early intervention strategy in high-risk populations.
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Personal views expressed by the contributors in their articles are not necessarily those of the Journal of Associated Medical Sciences, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University.
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