Hospital vs. remotely supervised cardiac rehabilitation: a 6-week comparison of right ventricular function in HFrEF patients

Abstract

Objectives. Cardiac rehabilitation aims to restore physical function, improve quality of life, and reduce complications and mortality in heart failure patients. This study compared right ventricular systolic function improvements between center-based and home-based cardiac rehabilitation programs over six weeks in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Materials and methods. In this quasi-experimental study, 31 patients with HFrEF (EF < 40%) were allocated to either home-based or center-based exercise rehabilitation. Both groups underwent a six-week program combining endurance, resistance, and inspiratory muscle training. Right ventricular function was assessed by echocardiographic parameters including TAPSE, S' lateral, and RV free wall longitudinal strain. Outcomes. Both groups showed significant improvements in TAPSE and S' lateral (p < 0.001). RV free wall longitudinal strain exhibited a positive trend toward improvement but did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.056). Improvements were comparable between groups. Conclusions. The six-week home-based exercise program demonstrated comparable improvements in right ventricular systolic function to the center-based program. Home-based rehabilitation is a viable alternative for patients facing barriers to hospital-based programs.

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