Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) has shown great benefits in patients with chronic respiratory diseases. Unfortunately, this intervention is frequently inaccessible to patients.

Remote rehabilitation and monitoring of patient’s vital signs (e.g., heart rate) are potentially valuable mechanisms to improve patient care and access, especially in rural areas. However, further research is needed to assess the effect and practicality of delivering PR programs using telerehabilitation and telemonitoring.

This study aims to evaluate the effects of a pulmonary telerehabilitation program that incorporates telemonitoring on patients with chronic lung diseases. It also aims to assess the feasibility of using videoconference and commercial wearable devices in patient treatment.

In this study, 24 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and/or pulmonary fibrosis will participate in a pulmonary telerehabilitation program involving group exercise and education sessions via videoconference.

Heart rate, blood oxygen level and physical activity will be monitored using a smart watch and a finger pulse oximeter connected to a smart phone or tablet. We anticipate that people will experience improvement in their health outcomes and be satisfied with receiving the intervention in the comfort of their home.

Additionally, results of this study will guide the planning and development of alternative formats for PR programs in Manitoba, which could improve access to this much-needed service, especially for patients with mobility difficulties and patients who live outside Winnipeg.