Combining a Hudl App With Telehealth to Increase Home Exercise Program Adherence in People With Chronic Diseases Experiencing Financial Distress: Randomized Controlled Trial

JMIR Formative Research, 2021 · DOI: 10.2196/22659 · Published: March 18, 2021

Healthcare Rehabilitation Telehealth & Digital Health

Simple Explanation

This study explores whether using a telehealth platform (Hudl app) can help people with chronic diseases and financial difficulties stick to their home exercise programs (HEPs). Participants with chronic diseases who are experiencing financial distress were monitored for 24 weeks to determine if the Hudl app improved HEP adherence. The study compared the adherence of individuals using the Hudl app with telehealth to those using standard paper-based HEPs.

Study Duration

7 Months

Participants

45 adults with chronic diseases and financial distress

Evidence Level

Randomized Controlled Trial

Key Findings

1
The experimental group maintained their HEP adherence over 24 weeks.
2
There was a statistically significant difference in HEP adherence between both groups at 24 weeks.
3
Patient satisfaction was rated high for the group using the app and telerehabilitation.

Research Summary

The Hudl app/telehealth platform is feasible for delivering HEPs and maintaining HEP adherence in participants with chronic diseases who are experiencing financial distress. Participants were able to use the app, and most did not report problems with Wi-Fi access at home. The study showed promising results in terms of HEP adherence for symptoms of participants who had mostly neurological chronic diseases.

Practical Implications

Improved Adherence

Telehealth combined with apps can improve adherence to home exercise programs in patients with chronic conditions.

Cost-Effective Solution

This approach may provide a cost-effective solution for managing chronic diseases, particularly for those with lower socioeconomic status.

Remote Monitoring

Telehealth app usage can offer a valuable alternative for monitoring patients needing long-term follow-up care, especially during pandemics.

Study Limitations

1
Limited sample size and spectrum of chronic diseases for subanalyses.
2
Cannot make assumptions whether adults with one specific type of chronic disease would have better HEP adherence with the use of the Hudl app with telerehabilitation than another type.
3
The study did not assess the cost-effectiveness and efficacy of the app with telehealth in terms of health outcomes in populations with specific chronic diseases

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