Utilization of a Directly Supervised Telehealth-Based Exercise Training Program in Patients With Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis: Feasibility Study (Preprint)

• DOI: 10.2196/preprints.30239
• Publication Date: 2021-05-10T15:43:05Z
• Authors: Victoria Motz; Alison Faust; Jessica Dahmus; Benjamin Stern; Christopher Soriano; Jonathan G Stine
• Keywords: Telehealth; Aerobic Exercise; Treadmill; Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis; Metabolic equivalent

<sec> <title>BACKGROUND</title> Most patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are physically inactive despite the well-known benefits of physical activity. Telehealth offers promise as a novel way to deliver an exercise training program and increase However, feasibility, safety, efficacy telehealth-based programs is unknown in NAFLD. </sec> <title>OBJECTIVE</title> The aim this study was determine feasibility directly supervised delivered exclusively telehealth steatohepatitis (NASH), progressive form <title>METHODS</title> In response COVID-19 research restrictions, we adapted existing clinical trial 20 weeks moderate-intensity aerobic 5 days week under real-time direct supervision using audio–visual platform. Aerobic completed by walking outdoors or home treadmill. Fitness activity trackers heart rate monitors ensured at prescribed intensity feedback from physiologist. <title>RESULTS</title> Three female biopsy-proven NASH were enrolled mean age 52 (SD 14) years. body mass index 31.9 5.1) kg/m2. All had metabolic syndrome. over 80% sessions (mean 84% [SD 3%]) no adverse events occurred. Body weight –5.1% 3.7%]), fat –4.4% 2.3%]), waist circumference –1.3 in. 1.6 in.]) all improved exercise. relative reduction magnetic resonance imaging-proton density fraction (MRI-PDFF) 35.1% 8.8%). Mean reductions hemoglobin A1c Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance also observed (–0.5% 0.2%] –4.0 1.2], respectively). peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) 9.9 6.6) mL/kg/min. <title>CONCLUSIONS</title> This proof-of-concept found that via feasible safe NASH. Telehealth-based appears be highly efficacious NASH, but will need confirmed future large-scale trials. <title>CLINICALTRIAL</title> ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03518294; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03518294