Effect of Artificial Intelligence–Integrate...

Effect of Artificial Intelligence–Integrated Telerehabilitation on Functional Capacity, Dyspnea and Sputum Volume in Patients with COPD: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Author Name : Neha Naureen, Mandeep Kumar Singh, Sameeksha Sidhpuria

ABSTRACT Background: Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is the most effective non-pharmacological treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but access is limited by distance, cost and logistics. Telerehabilitation with artificial intelligence (AI)-based monitoring and exercise adaptation may improve delivery, but controlled evidence on symptom outcomes is scarce. Objective: To compare AI-integrated telerehabilitation with conventional centre-based PR on functional capacity, dyspnea and sputum volume in stable COPD. Methods: In this randomized controlled study at Lucknow Multi-Speciality Hospital, India, 60 patients with stable COPD (GOLD stages 2–3) were allocated to AI-integrated telerehabilitation (n = 30) or conventional PR (n = 30). Both programs ran for 8 weeks, five sessions per week of 45–60 minutes. The intervention added wearable SpO₂ and heart rate monitoring, algorithm-driven adjustment of exercise intensity, exacerbation alerts and individualized airway clearance scheduling. Six-minute walk distance (6MWD), modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnea grade and 24-hour sputum volume were measured at baseline, week 4 and week 8.