Smartphone delivered social media‑based rehabilitation for people with COPD in Thar Desert, India: A feasibility study

Abstract

Background: Pulmonary telerehabilitation offers an accessible and cost‑effective therapy option for patients with chronic respiratory diseases. In the Thar Desert, home to 16.6 million people with a population density of 83 persons per square kilometre, transportation barriers to tertiary care increase the demand for telerehabilitation services. Objective: To assess the feasibility of smartphone and social media–based rehabilitation for COPD patients in the Thar Desert, India. Methods: COPD patients were recruited from a tertiary hospital’s outpatient department. Rehabilitation videos in Hindi were provided through smartphones via social media. Key assessments included the COPD Assessment Test (CAT), EQ‑5D‑3L, mMRC dyspnoea scale, 6‑minute walk test and 30‑second sit‑to‑stand test at baseline and 8 weeks. Usability, acceptability and adherence were measured using the System Usability Scale (SUS) and Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) at 8 weeks, with follow‑up on exercise adherence after 1 year. Results: Of the 54 COPD patients assessed, 45 were recruited (mean age 64.18, 86.7% male). Statistically significant improvements (P < 0.05) were observed in mMRC, EQ‑5D‑3L, CAT and 6‑minute walk test scores. High acceptability was noted, with a mean SUS score of 81.5/100 and TAM score of 93.93/128. After 8 weeks, 75.5% of participants were exercising, with 58% maintaining routines 1 year later. Conclusion: Smartphone‑based pulmonary telerehabilitation is feasible for COPD patients in the Thar Desert, demonstrating high acceptability even in low‑literacy populations. Further trials in diverse settings are recommended.