Effect of Telerehabilitation-based Spinal Stabilization Exercises on Epicardial Adipose Tissue and Exercises Capacity in Individuals With Hypertension

It has been suggested that Epicardial Adipose Tissue (EAT) may be an adjunctive marker to classical risk factors for the presence and severity of coronary artery disease. EAT thickness is also associated with MetS and hypertension, high levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and insulin resistance.Studies have shown that moderate-intensity and high-intensity aerobic exercise and resistance exercise training reduce EAT. However, aerobic and resistance exercises may be found challenging and demanding by individuals and in most cases, high or moderate intensity exercise may be considered difficult. In a study conducted in physically inactive individuals, it was concluded that there was a significant increase in heart rate and BP following spinal stabilisation exercises performed 4 days a week for a total of 8 sessions for 2 weeks, but the increase in these cardiac parameters would tend to decrease following regular exercise. In the current literature, there is no study evaluating the effect of spinal stabilisation exercise on EAT thickness, exercise capacity and cardiovascular parameters in individuals with HT.

Barriers to access to healthcare services such as distance, time and cost can be overcome with technology. COVID-19 has accelerated the transition of many physiotherapy services to telerehabilitation. Evidence has shown that telerehabilitation is an effective delivery model for providing face-to-face physiotherapy services with equal or even superior outcomes, especially in musculoskeletal treatment.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of spinal stabilisation exercise with telerehabilitation on EAT and exercise capacity in individuals with HT.