Remote assessment of exercise capacity in adults with chronic respiratory disease: Safety, reliability and acceptability
Narelle S. Cox, Simone Dal Corso, Angela T. Burge, Janet Bondarenko, Jaycie Perryman, Anne E. Holland
Abstract
Objectives To assess the safety, reliability and acceptability of the modified incremental step test (MIST) supervised remotely via videoconferencing in adults with chronic respiratory disease. Methods Adults with chronic respiratory disease undertaking pulmonary rehabilitation were invited to undertake the MIST under two testing conditions: in-person supervision and remote supervision via video-conferencing. Test order was randomised. Results 38 participants ( n = 18 Female; mean (SD) age 68 (10) years; 56% chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) undertook two MIST evaluations. There was excellent agreement between tests for total step count (ICC 2,1 0.93, 95%CI 0.86 to 0.96), despite higher counts with in-person supervision (MD 12 steps, 95%CI 1 to 24). There was very good agreement, and no difference between tests, for nadir oxygen saturation (ICC 2,1 0.797, 95%CI 0.643 to 0.889) and peak heart rate (ICC 2,1 0.782, 95%CI 0.620 to 0.880). Participant satisfaction with telehealth was high, and confidence was not different between testing conditions. There were no adverse events and remote testing was acceptable to participants. Discussion In this single centre cohort study MIST supervised remotely via video-conferencing was safe, reliable and acceptable to people with chronic respiratory disease.