[LUM#20] A new lease of life for rehabilitation

[LUM Magazine, Podcast] - Published on January 16, 2024 in Science-Society

While the benefits of physical activity are universally recognized, it is not always easy to put theory into practice. Especially when exercise causes breathlessness. How can patients with respiratory diseases be encouraged to combat a sedentary lifestyle? At the University of Montpellier and Montpellier University Hospital, the focus is on digital technology.

The official recommendation is to get at least 30 minutes of brisk walking every day, at least five times a week. But where can you find the motivation to exercise when you have a condition that leaves you breathless or tired? For Maurice Hayot, a physiologist and pulmonologist at the University of Montpellier and Montpellier University Hospital, and a researcher at the PhyMedExp laboratory for physiology and experimental medicine of the heart and muscles¹, digital technology can help get these patients moving again.

With the m-Rehab research program, the specialist offers patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and sleep apnea a digital telerehabilitation solution in their own living environment. "This is a unique app and website designed to support patients in conjunction with their care circle to adopt behaviors that are beneficial to their health, " explains Maurice Hayot.

Telerehabilitation

The doctor and his colleagues have set up two randomized controlled clinical trials, in which 90% of patients are currently enrolled, with 200 patients suffering from COPD and 180 with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome. "COPD causes shortness of breath, which can make physical exertion more difficult, so naturally some patients tend to limit their physical activity. Similarly, sleep apnea can cause drowsiness and fatigue, which discourage physical exertion, " explains Maurice Hayot.

To break this vicious cycle of inactivity, m-Rehab has set three objectives: first, to offer educational video workshops on the benefits and methods of practicing adapted physical activity (APA). Second, it offers personalized interviews with a care manager to identify opportunities for practicing APA. And finally, it provides guidance on how to adapt one's efforts and monitor one's feelings during practice.

Change your life

The m-Rehab app offers them a method that will enrich their care journey, in particular thanks to connected devices capable of recording their number of steps and certain physiological indicators, providing feedback. "But above all, these are support devices that enable patients to communicate with their care manager, with people remaining at the center of the process, particularly through digital group workshops where everyone can express their needs, limitations, or solutions," adds the specialist.

What feedback have you received from patients? "Some say it changes their lives; they clearly rely on it for motivation and to take action, but other patients have not yet changed their behavior. It can sometimes take a long time and require personalized support," replies Maurice Hayot. The next step for m-Rehab is to move towards technology transfer in order to roll out this innovation to a wider audience. "Today, we have all the scientific evidence we need to confirm that encouraging physical activity and reducing sedentary lifestyles is beneficial not only in the management of chronic diseases but also in prevention for everyone, and a digital solution diversifies the possibilities."

1. PhyMedExp (UM, Inserm, CNRS)
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