This prospective, controlled cohort study evaluates the
effectiveness of a telemedicine model of cardiac rehabilitation in patients after
acute myocardial infarction compared with a standard outpatient program, as
demonstrated by an increase in exercise tolerance.
The study involved 53 patients who had suffered a myocardial infarction.
Twenty-seven patients (50.9%) received telemedicine cardiac rehabilitation using the Accordix system for ECG monitoring, a 14-day aerobic training program, physiotherapy, psychological consultations, and recommendations for risk factor correction. Twenty-six patients (49.1%) formed the control group and received standard 2-week outpatient CR. Exercise tolerance was assessed by the distance in the six-minute walk test.
The results showed that the initial distance was shorter in the study group
(356 m) compared to the control group (390 m) (p < 0.05). After the cardiac rehabilitation program, a significant increase in the distance covered was noted
in the study group (from 356 m to 448 m, p < 0.05), the increase in distance (72 m) was statistically significantly greater than in the control group (45 m) (p <0.05), and is clinically significant. Also, the time of maintaining the pulse within the training corridor increased in the telemedicine support group.
Conclusions: Telemedicine CR using the Accordix system is an effective
alternative to standard outpatient CR, leading to a significant increase in exercise tolerance and training effectiveness in patients after acute myocardial infarction.