Synchronous and asynchronous tele-exercise during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic: Comparisons of implementation and training load in individuals with spinal cord injury

Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 2023 · DOI: 10.1177/1357633X20982732 · Published: April 1, 2023

Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Telehealth & Digital Health

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the use of tele-exercise (remote exercise programs) for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) during the COVID-19 pandemic. It compares synchronous tele-exercise (real-time interaction) and asynchronous tele-exercise (delayed interaction). The study involved 40 individuals with SCI who participated in both synchronous and asynchronous tele-exercise programs for 3 weeks each, following a 2-week familiarization period. The key findings showed that synchronous tele-exercise had better adherence and successful data recording compared to asynchronous tele-exercise, leading to greater weekly training loads.

Study Duration

6 Weeks

Participants

40 individuals with spinal cord injury

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Weekly mean workload, total workload, adherence and successful exercise recording presented significantly higher values in the synchronous compared to asynchronous tele-exercises.
2
Average daily workload did not present significant differences between the tele-exercises.
3
All training load variables in the synchronous format showed significantly higher values in the paraplegia group compared to the tetraplegia group.

Research Summary

This study compared synchronous and asynchronous tele-exercise programs for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results indicated that synchronous tele-exercise had better implementation (adherence and successful data recording) and resulted in greater weekly training loads compared to asynchronous tele-exercise. The authors suggest that synchronous tele-exercise may be more effective for promoting health benefits due to its greater ease of implementation and higher training loads, while asynchronous tele-exercise may require different monitoring strategies to improve adherence.

Practical Implications

Clinical Practice

Synchronous tele-exercise may be preferred for individuals with SCI due to better adherence and higher training loads.

Technology Design

Develop strategies to improve adherence and engagement in asynchronous tele-exercise programs.

Future Research

Investigate different monitoring approaches to enhance training load and adherence in asynchronous tele-exercise.

Study Limitations

1
The sample consisted of young adults who had previously participated in a face-to-face rehabilitation program, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
2
The study used a crossover design without randomization, potentially introducing bias.
3
The study did not systematically assess the reasons for the lack of data recording in the asynchronous group.

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