Asessment of the impact of telecoaching and mobile applications on the physical activity of patients with COPD: A systematic review

ntroduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with significant economic and social burdens. Smoking and lack of physical activity are key modifiable risk factors. Reduced physical activity in daily life has been identified as a significant predictor of mortality in these patients. Therefore, numerous attempts have been made to increase physical activity to prevent associated harms. Telemedicine interventions, such as telecoaching or those based on mHealth, may be useful in promoting physical activity in COPD patients, although their effectiveness largely depends on patient adherence and the technological characteristics of the interventions. Objective: To assess the impact of telecoaching and mHealth interventions on improving physical activity in COPD patients. Method: A literature search was conducted in the Web of Science and PubMed databases, following PRISMA guidelines. A manual search was then performed in Google Scholar. Studies including the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) to increase physical activity in COPD patients were included. Results: Fifteen studies were included, revealing varied results on different telemedicine interventions in COPD patients. Some show that telecoaching and mobile applications can increase physical activity, supporting their utility in disease management. However, others did not observe significant improvements. Although most patients are satisfied with these interventions, it is important to consider individual needs and preferences. Additionally, the combined use of telecoaching and applications may enhance long-term adherence. Conclusions: It is essential to tailor interventions according to individual needs: some require physical training to improve tolerance, while others need motivational strategies to incorporate physical activity into their daily routine. Simplification of applications and consideration of individual factors are key to long-term adherence. Further research with larger samples and longer follow-up periods is recommended to better understand long-term impacts and improve patient participation in self-care and physical activity