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News
Recovering from a heart attack from home? Turns out, it works. A randomized trial found that structured telerehabilitation was just as effective as in-person cardiac rehab after acute coronary syndrome — with over 80% of patients in both groups hitting key cardiovascular risk and lifestyle targets within 8 weeks. Exercise capacity, adherence, and satisfaction were all comparable through 6 months of follow-up.
Recovering from a heart attack no longer requires a trip to the hospital gym. The TELECOR trial, a randomized controlled study out of Spain, found that structured telerehabilitation was non-inferior to traditional centre-based cardiac rehabilitation for patients recovering from acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Over 80% of patients in both groups met at least four of seven cardiovascular risk and lifestyle targets — including blood pressure, cholesterol, diet, and physical activity — at both 8 weeks and 6 months.
Both groups completed 20 sessions over 8 weeks combining aerobic and strength training. Telerehab patients exercised at home under remote video supervision using a wrist-worn fitness tracker, while the other group attended supervised hospital sessions. Functional capacity improved significantly in both groups, and cardiac event rates were similar throughout follow-up.
Why it matters: With cardiac rehab participation historically low due to access and logistical barriers, these findings make a strong case for integrating telerehabilitation into routine secondary prevention programs — especially within public health systems.
