@article{EichlerRabeSalzwedeletal.2017, author = {Eichler, Sarah and Rabe, Sophie and Salzwedel, Annett and Mueller, Steffen and Stoll, Josefine and Tilgner, Nina and John, Michael and Wegscheider, Karl and Mayer, Frank and V{\"o}ller, Heinz}, title = {Effectiveness of an interactive telerehabilitation system with home-based exercise training in patients after total hip or knee replacement: study protocol for a multicenter, superiority, no-blinded randomized controlled trial}, series = {Trials}, volume = {18}, journal = {Trials}, publisher = {BioMed Central}, address = {London}, issn = {1745-6215}, doi = {10.1186/s13063-017-2173-3}, pages = {7}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Background: Total hip or knee replacement is one of the most frequently performed surgical procedures. Physical rehabilitation following total hip or knee replacement is an essential part of the therapy to improve functional outcomes and quality of life. After discharge from inpatient rehabilitation, a subsequent postoperative exercise therapy is needed to maintain functional mobility. Telerehabilitation may be a potential innovative treatment approach. We aim to investigate the superiority of an interactive telerehabilitation intervention for patients after total hip or knee replacement, in comparison to usual care, regarding physical performance, functional mobility, quality of life and pain. Methods/design: This is an open, randomized controlled, multicenter superiority study with two prospective arms. One hundred and ten eligible and consenting participants with total knee or hip replacement will be recruited at admission to subsequent inpatient rehabilitation. After comprehensive, 3-week, inpatient rehabilitation, the intervention group performs a 3-month, interactive, home-based exercise training with a telerehabilitation system. For this purpose, the physiotherapist creates an individual training plan out of 38 different strength and balance exercises which were implemented in the system. Data about the quality and frequency of training are transmitted to the physiotherapist for further adjustment. Communication between patient and physiotherapist is possible with the system. The control group receives voluntary, usual aftercare programs. Baseline assessments are investigated after discharge from rehabilitation; final assessments 3 months later. The primary outcome is the difference in improvement between intervention and control group in 6-minute walk distance after 3 months. Secondary outcomes include differences in the Timed Up and Go Test, the Five-Times-Sit-to-Stand Test, the Stair Ascend Test, the Short-Form 36, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and postural control as well as gait and kinematic parameters of the lower limbs. Baseline-adjusted analysis of covariance models will be used to test for group differences in the primary and secondary endpoints. Discussion: We expect the intervention group to benefit from the interactive, home-based exercise training in many respects represented by the study endpoints. If successful, this approach could be used to enhance the access to aftercare programs, especially in structurally weak areas.}, language = {en} } @article{AlgharablyBolbrinkerLeziusetal.2017, author = {Algharably, Engi A. H. and Bolbrinker, Juliane and Lezius, Susanne and Reibis, Rona Katharina and Wegscheider, Karl and V{\"o}ller, Heinz and Kreutz, Reinhold}, title = {Uromodulin associates with cardiorenal function in patients with hypertension and cardiovascular disease}, series = {Journal of hypertension}, volume = {35}, journal = {Journal of hypertension}, publisher = {Lippincott Williams \& Wilkins}, address = {Philadelphia}, issn = {0263-6352}, doi = {10.1097/HJH.0000000000001432}, pages = {2053 -- 2058}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Objective:Common genetic variants in the gene encoding uromodulin (UMOD) have been associated with renal function, blood pressure (BP) and hypertension. We investigated the associations between an important single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in UMOD, that is rs12917707-G>T, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), BP and cardiac organ damage as determined by echocardiography in patients with arterial hypertension.Methods:A cohort of 1218 treated high-risk patients (mean age 58.5 years, 83\% men) with documented cardiovascular disease (81\% with coronary heart disease) was analysed.Results:The mean values for 24-h SBP and DBP were 124.714.7 and 73.9 +/- 9.4mmHg; mean eGFR was 77.5 +/- 18.3ml/min per 1.73m(2), mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 59.3 +/- 9.9\% and mean left ventricular mass index in men and women was 53.9 +/- 23.2 and 54.9 +/- 23.7g/m(2.7) with 50.4\% of patients having left ventricular hypertrophy. A significant association between rs12917707 and eGFR was observed with T-allele carriers showing significantly higher eGFR values (+2.6ml/min per 1.73m(2), P=0.006) than noncarriers. This SNP associated also with left atrial diameter (P=0.007); homozygous carriers of the T-allele had smaller left atrial diameter (-1.5mm) than other genotype groups (P=0.040). No significant associations between rs12917707 and other cardiac or BP phenotypes were observed.Conclusions:These findings extend the previously documented role of UMOD for renal function also to treated high-risk patients with arterial hypertension and reveal a novel association with left atrial remodelling and thus a potential cardiorenal link modulated by UMOD.}, language = {en} } @article{SalzwedelHeidlerHauboldetal.2017, author = {Salzwedel, Annett and Heidler, Maria-Dorothea and Haubold, Kathrin and Schikora, Martin and Reibis, Rona Katharina and Wegscheider, Karl and J{\"o}bgens, Michael and V{\"o}ller, Heinz}, title = {Prevalence of mild cognitive impairment in employable patients after acute coronary event in cardiac rehabilitation}, series = {Vascular Health and Risk Management}, volume = {13}, journal = {Vascular Health and Risk Management}, publisher = {Dove Medical Press Ltd}, address = {Albany, Auckland}, issn = {1176-6344}, doi = {10.2147/VHRM.S121086}, pages = {55 -- 60}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Introduction: Adequate cognitive function in patients is a prerequisite for successful implementation of patient education and lifestyle coping in comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs. Although the association between cardiovascular diseases and cognitive impairments (CIs) is well known, the prevalence particularly of mild CI in CR and the characteristics of affected patients have been insufficiently investigated so far. Methods: In this prospective observational study, 496 patients (54.5 ± 6.2 years, 79.8\% men) with coronary artery disease following an acute coronary event (ACE) were analyzed. Patients were enrolled within 14 days of discharge from the hospital in a 3-week inpatient CR program. Patients were tested for CI using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) upon admission to and discharge from CR. Additionally, sociodemographic, clinical, and physiological variables were documented. The data were analyzed descriptively and in a multivariate stepwise backward elimination regression model with respect to CI. Results: At admission to CR, the CI (MoCA score < 26) was determined in 182 patients (36.7\%). Significant differences between CI and no CI groups were identified, and CI group was associated with high prevalence of smoking (65.9 vs 56.7\%, P = 0.046), heavy (physically demanding) workloads (26.4 vs 17.8\%, P < 0.001), sick leave longer than 1 month prior to CR (28.6 vs 18.5\%, P = 0.026), reduced exercise capacity (102.5 vs 118.8 W, P = 0.006), and a shorter 6-min walking distance (401.7 vs 421.3 m, P = 0.021) compared to no CI group. The age- and education-adjusted model showed positive associations with CI only for sick leave more than 1 month prior to ACE (odds ratio [OR] 1.673, 95\% confidence interval 1.07-2.79; P = 0.03) and heavy workloads (OR 2.18, 95\% confidence interval 1.42-3.36; P < 0.01). Conclusion: The prevalence of CI in CR was considerably high, affecting more than one-third of cardiac patients. Besides age and education level, CI was associated with heavy workloads and a longer sick leave before ACE.}, language = {en} } @misc{ReibisSalzwedelBonaventuraetal.2017, author = {Reibis, Rona Katharina and Salzwedel, Annett and Bonaventura, Klaus and V{\"o}ller, Heinz and Wegscheider, Karl}, title = {Improvement of left ventricular ejection fraction in revascularized postmyocardial patients}, series = {Postprints der Universit{\"a}t Potsdam : Mathematisch Naturwissenschaftliche Reihe}, journal = {Postprints der Universit{\"a}t Potsdam : Mathematisch Naturwissenschaftliche Reihe}, number = {882}, issn = {1866-8372}, doi = {10.25932/publishup-43509}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-435093}, pages = {10}, year = {2017}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤30\% is the most powerful prognostic indicator for sudden cardiac death (SCD) in patients after myocardial infarction (MI), but there are little data about long-term changes of LVEF after revascularization and the following implantation of a cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of 277 patients with reduced LVEF at least 1month after MI and complete revascularization. Patients (median time post-MI 23.4months; 74.3\% after PCI, 25.7\% after CABG were assigned either to group 1 (LVEF<30\%) or group 2 (LVEF 30-40\%). Biplane echocardiography was redone after a mean follow-up of 441±220days. RESULTS: LVEF increased significantly in both two groups (group 1: 26.2±4.8\% to 32.4±8.5\%; p<0.001; group 2: 38.2±2.5\% to 44.4±9.6\%; p<0.001). However, statistical analysis of first and second LVEF measurement by means of a LOWESS regression and with an appropriate correction of the regression towards the mean effect revealed only a moderate increase of the mean LVEF from 35 to 37\% (p<0.001) with a large interindividual variation. CONCLUSIONS: The impact of early revascularization on LVEF appears to be low in the majority of post-MI heart failure patients. Owing to the high variability, a single measurement may not be reliable enough to justify a decision on ICD indication.}, language = {en} } @article{SchulzBehrendtSalzwedelRabeetal.2017, author = {Schulz-Behrendt, Claudia and Salzwedel, Annett and Rabe, Sophie and Ortmann, K. and V{\"o}ller, Heinz}, title = {Aspekte beruflicher und sozialer Wiedereingliederung aus Sicht kardiovaskul{\"a}r erkrankter Rehabilitanden in besonderen beruflichen Problemlagen}, series = {Die Rehabilitation : Zeitschrift f{\"u}r Praxis und Forschung in der Rehabilitation}, volume = {56}, journal = {Die Rehabilitation : Zeitschrift f{\"u}r Praxis und Forschung in der Rehabilitation}, number = {3}, publisher = {Thieme}, address = {Stuttgart}, issn = {0034-3536}, doi = {10.1055/s-0042-121379}, pages = {181 -- 188}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Ziel: Untersucht wurden subjektive bio-psycho-soziale Auswirkungen chronischer Herz- und Gef{\"a}ßerkrankungen, Bew{\"a}ltigungsstrategien und Formen sozialer Unterst{\"u}tzung bei Rehabilitanden in besonderen beruflichen Problemlagen (BBPL). Methodik: F{\"u}r die qualitative Untersuchung wurden 17 Patienten (48,9±7,0 Jahre, 13 m{\"a}nnl.) mit BBPL (SIMBO-C>30) in leitfadengest{\"u}tzten Interviews befragt. Die Auswertung erfolgte softwaregest{\"u}tzt nach dem inhaltsanalytischen Ansatz von Mayring. Ergebnisse: Im Rahmen der Krankheitsauswirkungen benannten die Patienten soziale, einschließlich beruflicher Aspekte mit 62\% der Aussagen deutlich h{\"a}ufiger als physische oder psychische Faktoren (9 bzw. 29\%). Angewandte Bew{\"a}ltigungsstrategien und erfahrene Unterst{\"u}tzungsleistungen richteten sich jedoch {\"u}berwiegend auf k{\"o}rperliche Einschr{\"a}nkungen (70 bzw. 45\%). Schlussfolgerung: Obgleich soziale Krankheitsauswirkungen f{\"u}r die befragten Rehabilitanden subjektiv bedeutsam waren, gelang die Entwicklung geeigneter Bew{\"a}ltigungsstrategien nur unzureichen}, language = {de} } @misc{VoellerBindlNagelsetal.2017, author = {V{\"o}ller, Heinz and Bindl, Dominik and Nagels, Klaus and Hofmann, Reiner and Vettorazzi, Eik and Wegscheider, Karl and Fleck, Eckart and Nagel, Eckhard}, title = {Remote telemonitoring in chronic heart failure does not reduce healthcare cost but improves quality of life}, series = {Journal of the American College of Cardiology}, volume = {69}, journal = {Journal of the American College of Cardiology}, number = {11 Supplement}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {New York}, issn = {0735-1097}, pages = {672 -- 672}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Background: Evidence that home telemonitoring (HTM) for patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) offers clinical benefit over usual care is controversial as is evidence of a health economic advantage. Therefore the CardioBBEAT trial was designed to prospectively assess the health economic impact of a dedicated home monitoring system for patients with CHF based on actual costs directly obtained from patients' health care providers. Methods: Between January 2010 and June 2013, 621 patients (mean age 63,0 ± 11,5 years, 88 \% male) with a confirmed diagnosis of CHF (LVEF ≤ 40 \%) were enrolled and randomly assigned to two study groups comprising usual care with and without an interactive bi-directional HTM (Motiva®). The primary endpoint was the Incremental Cost-Effectiveness Ratio (ICER) established by the groups' difference in total cost and in the combined clinical endpoint "days alive and not in hospital nor inpatient care per potential days in study" within the follow up of 12 months. Secondary outcome measures were total mortality and health related quality of life (SF-36, WHO-5 and KCCQ). Results: In the intention-to-treat analysis, total mortality (HR 0.81; 95\% CI 0.45 - 1.45) and days alive and not in hospital (343.3 ± 55.4 vs. 347.2 ± 43.9; p = 0.909) were not significantly different between HTM and usual care. While the resulting primary endpoint ICER was not positive (-181.9; 95\% CI -1626.2 ± 1628.9), quality of life assessed by SF-36, WHO-5 and KCCQ as a secondary endpoint was significantly higher in the HTW group at 6 and 12 months of follow-up. Conclusions: The first simultaneous assessment of clinical and economic outcome of HTM in patients with CHF did not demonstrate superior incremental cost effectiveness compared to usual care. On the other hand, quality of life was improved. It remains open whether the tested HTM solution represents a useful innovative approach in the recent health care setting.}, language = {en} } @article{ReibisSalzwedelFalketal.2017, author = {Reibis, Rona Katharina and Salzwedel, Annett and Falk, Johannes and V{\"o}ller, Heinz}, title = {Berufliche Wiedereingliederung nach akutem Herzinfarkt}, series = {Deutsche medizinische Wochenschrift : DMW ; Organ der Deutschen Gesellschaft f{\"u}r Innere Medizin (DGIM) ; Organ der Gesellschaft Deutscher Naturforscher und {\"A}rzte (GDN{\"A})}, volume = {142}, journal = {Deutsche medizinische Wochenschrift : DMW ; Organ der Deutschen Gesellschaft f{\"u}r Innere Medizin (DGIM) ; Organ der Gesellschaft Deutscher Naturforscher und {\"A}rzte (GDN{\"A})}, publisher = {Thieme}, address = {Stuttgart}, issn = {0012-0472}, doi = {10.1055/s-0042-124425}, pages = {617 -- 624}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Die berufliche Wiedereingliederung von Patienten nach akutem Herzinfarkt stellt sowohl aus gesellschaftlicher wie auch aus individueller Sicht einen entscheidenden Schritt zur vollst{\"a}ndigen Rekonvaleszenz dar. Lediglich 10\% der Patienten werden durch kardiale Probleme an der Reintegration behindert. Neben medizinischen und berufsbezogenen Faktoren determinieren insbesondere psychosoziale Parameter eine erfolgreiche Wiederaufnahme der T{\"a}tigkeit. Verschiedene Programme der Rentenversicherungstr{\"a}ger werden dabei unterst{\"u}tzend angeboten.}, language = {de} } @article{EichlerSalzwedelReibisetal.2017, author = {Eichler, Sarah and Salzwedel, Annett and Reibis, Rona and Nothroff, J{\"o}rg and Harnath, Axel and Schikora, Martin and Butter, Christian and Wegscheider, Karl and V{\"o}ller, Heinz}, title = {Multicomponent cardiac rehabilitation in patients after transcatheter aortic valve implantation}, series = {European journal of preventive cardiology : the official ESC journal for primary \& secondary cardiovascular prevention, rehabilitation and sports cardiology}, volume = {24}, journal = {European journal of preventive cardiology : the official ESC journal for primary \& secondary cardiovascular prevention, rehabilitation and sports cardiology}, number = {3}, publisher = {Sage Publ.}, address = {London}, issn = {2047-4873}, doi = {10.1177/2047487316679527}, pages = {257 -- 264}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Background: In the last decade, transcatheter aortic valve implantation has become a promising treatment modality for patients with aortic stenosis and a high surgical risk. Little is known about influencing factors of function and quality of life during multicomponent cardiac rehabilitation. Methods: From October 2013 to July 2015, patients with elective transcatheter aortic valve implantation and a subsequent inpatient cardiac rehabilitation were enrolled in the prospective cohort multicentre study. Frailty-Index (including cognition, nutrition, autonomy and mobility), Short Form-12 (SF-12), six-minute walk distance (6MWD) and maximum work load in bicycle ergometry were performed at admission and discharge of cardiac rehabilitation. The relation between patient characteristics and improvements in 6MWD, maximum work load or SF-12 scales were studied univariately and multivariately using regression models. Results: One hundred and thirty-six patients (80.6 +/- 5.0 years, 47.8\% male) were enrolled. 6MWD and maximum work load increased by 56.3 +/- 65.3 m (p < 0.001) and 8.0 +/- 14.9 watts (p < 0.001), respectively. An improvement in SF-12 (physical 2.5 +/- 8.7, p = 0.001, mental 3.4 +/- 10.2, p = 0.003) could be observed. In multivariate analysis, age and higher education were significantly associated with a reduced 6MWD, whereas cognition and obesity showed a positive predictive value. Higher cognition, nutrition and autonomy positively influenced the physical scale of SF-12. Additionally, the baseline values of SF-12 had an inverse impact on the change during cardiac rehabilitation. Conclusions: Cardiac rehabilitation can improve functional capacity as well as quality of life and reduce frailty in patients after transcatheter aortic valve implantation. An individually tailored therapy with special consideration of cognition and nutrition is needed to maintain autonomy and empower octogenarians in coping with challenges of everyday life.}, language = {en} } @article{KieferKrahlOsthoffetal.2017, author = {Kiefer, Thomas and Krahl, Dorothea and Osthoff, Kathrin and Thuss-Patience, Peter and Bunse, J{\"o}rg and Adam, Ulrich and Jansen, Marc H. and Ott, Rudolf and Pfitzmann, Robert and Pross, Matthias and Kohlmann, Thomas and Daeschlein, Georg and Buhlert, Hermann and V{\"o}ller, Heinz and Hirt, Carsten}, title = {Importance of Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement Therapy after Surgery of Cancer of the Esophagus or the Esophagogastric Junction}, series = {Nutrition and cancer : an international journal}, volume = {70}, journal = {Nutrition and cancer : an international journal}, number = {1}, publisher = {Routledge, Taylor \& Francis Group}, address = {Abingdon}, issn = {0163-5581}, doi = {10.1080/01635581.2017.1374419}, pages = {69 -- 72}, year = {2017}, abstract = {After surgical treatment of cancer of the esophagus or the esophagogastric junction we observed steatorrhea, which is so far seldom reported. We analyzed all patients treated in our rehabilitation clinic between 2011 and 2014 and focused on the impact of surgery on digestion of fat. Reported steatorrhea was anamnestic, no pancreatic function test was made. Here we show the results from 51 patients. Twenty-three (45\%) of the patients reported steatorrhea. Assuming decreased pancreatic function pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) was started or modified during the rehabilitation stay (in the following called STEA(+)). These patients were compared with the patients without steatorrhea and without PERT (STEA(-)). Maximum weight loss between surgery and rehabilitation start was 18 kg in STEA(+) patient and 15.3 kg in STEA(-) patients. STEA(+) patients gained more weight under PERT during the rehabilitation phase (3 wk) than STEA(-) patients without PERT (+1.0 kg vs. -0.3 kg, P = 0.032). We report for the first time, that patients after cancer related esophageal surgery show anamnestic signs of exocrine pancreas insufficiency and need PERT to gain body weight.}, language = {en} } @article{HeidlerBiduVoelleretal.2017, author = {Heidler, Maria-Dorothea and Bidu, Laura and V{\"o}ller, Heinz and Salzwedel, Annett}, title = {Pr{\"a}diktoren des kognitiven Outcomes beatmeter Fr{\"u}hrehabilitationspatienten}, series = {Der Nervenarzt : Organ der Deutschen Gesellschaft f{\"u}r Psychiatrie, Psychotherapie und Nervenheilkunde ; Mitteilungsblatt der Deutschen Gesellschaft f{\"u}r Neurologie}, volume = {88}, journal = {Der Nervenarzt : Organ der Deutschen Gesellschaft f{\"u}r Psychiatrie, Psychotherapie und Nervenheilkunde ; Mitteilungsblatt der Deutschen Gesellschaft f{\"u}r Neurologie}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {New York}, issn = {0028-2804}, doi = {10.1007/s00115-017-0311-5}, pages = {905 -- 910}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Hintergrund Patienten, die nach gescheitertem Weaning von der Intensivstation in die Fr{\"u}hrehabilitation (FR) verlegt werden, weisen neben motorischen Einschr{\"a}nkungen oft auch Defizite in ihrer kognitiven Leistungsf{\"a}higkeit auf. Welche patientenseitigen Faktoren das kognitive Outcome am Ende der FR beeinflussen, ist noch unzureichend untersucht. Zielstellung Ermittlung von Pr{\"a}diktoren auf das kognitive Leistungsverm{\"o}gen initial beatmeter FR-Patienten. Methode Zwischen 01/2014 und 12/2015 wurden 301 Patienten (68,3 ± 11,4 Jahre, 67 \% m{\"a}nnlich) einer neurologischen Phase-B-Weaningstation konsekutiv in eine prospektive Beobachtungsstudie eingeschlossen. Zur Ermittlung m{\"o}glicher Einflussfaktoren auf das kognitive Outcome (operationalisiert mittels Neuromentalindex [NMI]) wurden soziodemografische Daten, kritische Erkrankung, Komorbidit{\"a}ten, Parameter zu Weaning und Dekan{\"u}lierung sowie diverse Scores zur Ermittlung funktionaler Parameter erhoben und mittels ANCOVA multivariat ausgewertet. Ergebnisse Insgesamt 248 Patienten (82 \%) konnten erfolgreich geweant werden, 155 (52 \%) dekan{\"u}liert, 75 Patienten (25 \%) verstarben, davon 39 (13 \%) unter Palliativtherapie. F{\"u}r die {\"u}berlebenden Patienten (n = 226) konnten im finalen geschlechts- und altersadjustierten statistischen Modell unabh{\"a}ngige Pr{\"a}diktoren des NMI bei Entlassung aus der FR ermittelt werden: Wachheit und erfolgreiche Dekan{\"u}lierung waren positiv mit dem NMI assoziiert, w{\"a}hrend als kritische Erkrankungen hypoxische Hirnsch{\"a}digungen, Hirninfarkte und Sch{\"a}del-Hirn-Traumata einen negativen Einfluss auf die kognitive Leistungsf{\"a}higkeit hatten. Das berechnete Modell begr{\"u}ndet 57 \% der Varianz des NMI (R2 = 0,568) und weist damit eine hohe Erkl{\"a}rungsqualit{\"a}t auf. Schlussfolgerung Aufgrund des erh{\"o}hten Risikos f{\"u}r eine verminderte kognitive Leistungsf{\"a}higkeit zum Ende der FR sollten vor allem Patienten nach Hypoxie, Hirninfarkt und Sch{\"a}del-Hirn-Trauma intensiv neuropsychologisch betreut werden. Da weiterhin eine erfolgreiche Dekan{\"u}lierung mit verbesserten kognitiven Leistungen assoziiert ist, sollte - vor allem bei wachen Patienten - zudem ein z{\"u}giges Trachealkan{\"u}lenmanagement im therapeutischen Fokus stehen.}, language = {de} } @misc{KieferTrendelenburgVoellerNothroffetal.2017, author = {Kiefer-Trendelenburg, Thomas Hermann and V{\"o}ller, Heinz and Nothroff, J{\"o}rg and Schikora, Martin and Bartels-Reinisch, Birgit and Heyne, Karolin and Daeschlein, Georg}, title = {Prevalence of patients with multiresistant pathogens (MRP) in rehabilitation clinics}, series = {Oncology Research and Treatment}, volume = {40}, journal = {Oncology Research and Treatment}, publisher = {Karger}, address = {Basel}, issn = {2296-5270}, pages = {198 -- 198}, year = {2017}, language = {en} } @article{HauptWolschkeRabeetal.2017, author = {Haupt, T. and Wolschke, M. and Rabe, Sophie and Scholz, I. and Smurawski, A. and Salzwedel, Annett and Thomas, F. and Reich, H. and V{\"o}ller, Heinz and Liebach, J. and Eichler, Sarah}, title = {ReMove-It - Entwicklung einer telemedizinisch assistierten Bewegungstherapie f{\"u}r die Rehabilitation nach Intervention an der unteren Extremit{\"a}t}, series = {B\&G Bewegungstherapie und Gesundheitssport}, volume = {33}, journal = {B\&G Bewegungstherapie und Gesundheitssport}, number = {5}, publisher = {Thieme}, address = {Stuttgart}, issn = {1613-0863}, doi = {10.1055/s-0043-118139}, pages = {221 -- 226}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Knie- und H{\"u}ftgelenksarthrose z{\"a}hlen zu den zehn h{\"a}ufigsten Einzeldiagnosen in orthop{\"a}dischen Praxen. Die Wirksamkeit einer station{\"a}ren Rehabilitation f{\"u}r Patienten nach Knie- oder H{\"u}ft-Totalendoprothese (TEP) ist in mehreren Studien belegt. Dennoch stellt die mittel- und langfristige Nachhaltigkeit zum Erhalt des Therapieerfolges eine große Herausforderung dar. Das Ziel des Projekts ReMove-It ist es, einen Wirksamkeitsnachweis f{\"u}r eintelemedizinisch assistiertes Interventionstraining f{\"u}r Patienten nach einem operativen Eingriff an den unteren Extremit{\"a}ten zu erbringen. In dem Beitrag wird anhand von Erfahrungsberichten dargestellt, wie das interaktive {\"U}bungsprogramm f{\"u}r Knie- und H{\"u}ft-TEP-Patienten entwickelt und das telemedizinische Assistenzsystem MeineReha® in den Behandlungsalltag von drei Rehakliniken integriert wurde. Ebenso werden der Aufbau und Ablauf der klinischen Studie dargestellt und das System aus Sicht der beteiligten {\"A}rzte, und Therapeuten bewertet.}, language = {de} } @article{LindenBernertFunkeetal.2017, author = {Linden, Michael and Bernert, Sebastian and Funke, Ariane and Dreinh{\"o}fer, Karsten E. and J{\"o}bges, Michael and von Kardorff, Ernst and Riedel-Heller, Steffi G. and Spyra, Karla and V{\"o}ller, Heinz and Warschburger, Petra and Wippert, Pia-Maria}, title = {Medizinische Rehabilitation unter einer Lifespan-Perspektive}, series = {Bundesgesundheitsblatt, Gesundheitsforschung, Gesundheitsschutz}, volume = {60}, journal = {Bundesgesundheitsblatt, Gesundheitsforschung, Gesundheitsschutz}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {New York}, issn = {1436-9990}, doi = {10.1007/s00103-017-2520-2}, pages = {445 -- 452}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Die Lifespan-Forschung untersucht die Entwicklung von Individuen {\"u}ber den gesamten Lebenslauf. Die medizinische Rehabilitation hat nach geltendem Sozialrecht die Aufgabe, chronische Krankheiten abzuwenden, zu beseitigen, zu mindern, auszugleichen, eine Verschlimmerung zu verh{\"u}ten und Negativfolgen f{\"u}r die Lebensf{\"u}hrung zu reduzieren. Dies erfordert in wissenschaftlicher wie in praxisbezogener Hinsicht die Entwicklung einer Lebensspannenperspektive als Voraussetzung f{\"u}r die Klassifikation und Diagnostik chronischer Erkrankungen, die Beschreibung von verlaufsbeeinflussenden Faktoren, kritischen Lebensphasen und Critical Incidents (kritische Verlaufszeitpunkte), die Durchf{\"u}hrung von prophylaktischen Maßnahmen, die Entwicklung von Assessmentverfahren zur Erfassung und Bewertung von Verl{\"a}ufen oder Vorbehandlungen, die Auswahl und Priorisierung von Interventionen, eine Behandlungs- und Behandlerkoordination auf der Zeitachse, die Pr{\"a}zisierung der Aufgabenstellung f{\"u}r spezialisierte Rehabilitationsmaßnahmen, wie beispielsweise Rehabilitationskliniken, und als Grundlage f{\"u}r die Sozialmedizin. Aufgrund der Vielfalt der individuellen Risikokonstellationen, Krankheitsverl{\"a}ufe und Behandlungssituationen {\"u}ber die Lebensspanne hinweg, bedarf es in der medizinischen Rehabilitation in besonderer Weise einer personalisierten Medizin, die zugleich rehabilitationsf{\"o}rderliche und -behindernde Umweltfaktoren im Rehabilitationsverlauf ber{\"u}cksichtigt.}, language = {de} } @article{ReibisKuehlSalzwedeletal.2017, author = {Reibis, Rona Katharina and K{\"u}hl, Uwe and Salzwedel, Annett and Rasawieh, Mortesa and Eichler, Sarah and Wegscheider, Karl and V{\"o}ller, Heinz}, title = {Return to work in heart failure patients with suspected viral myocarditis}, series = {SAGE Open Medicine}, volume = {5}, journal = {SAGE Open Medicine}, publisher = {Sage}, address = {Thousand Oaks, Calif.}, issn = {2050-3121}, doi = {10.1177/2050312117744978}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Background: Endomyocardial biopsy is considered as the gold standard in patients with suspected myocarditis. We aimed to evaluate the impact of bioptic findings on prediction of successful return to work. Methods: In 1153 patients (48.9 ± 12.4 years, 66.2\% male), who were hospitalized due to symptoms of left heart failure between 2005 and 2012, an endomyocardial biopsy was performed. Routine clinical and laboratory data, sociodemographic parameters, and noninvasive and invasive cardiac variables including endomyocardial biopsy were registered. Data were linked with return to work data from the German statutory pension insurance program and analyzed by Cox regression. Results: A total of 220 patients had a complete data set of hospital and insurance information. Three quarters of patients were virus-positive (54.2\% parvovirus B19, other or mixed infection 16.7\%). Mean invasive left ventricular ejection fraction was 47.1\% ± 18.6\% (left ventricular ejection fraction <45\% in 46.3\%). Return to work was achieved after a mean interval of 168.8 ± 347.7 days in 220 patients (after 6, 12, and 24 months in 61.3\%, 72.2\%, and 76.4\%). In multivariate regression analysis, only age (per 10 years, hazard ratio, 1.27; 95\% confidence interval, 1.10-1.46; p = 0.001) and left ventricular ejection fraction (per 5\% increase, hazard ratio, 1.07; 95\% confidence interval, 1.03-1.12; p = 0.002) were associated with increased, elevated work intensity (heavy vs light, congestive heart failure, 0.58; 95\% confidence interval, 0.34-0.99; p < 0.049) with decreased probability of return to work. None of the endomyocardial biopsy-derived parameters was significantly associated with return to work in the total group as well as in the subgroup of patients with biopsy-proven myocarditis. Conclusion: Added to established predictors, bioptic data demonstrated no additional impact for return to work probability. Thus, socio-medical evaluation of patients with suspected myocarditis furthermore remains an individually oriented process based primarily on clinical and functional parameters.}, language = {en} } @article{SalzwedelRabeZahnetal.2017, author = {Salzwedel, Annett and Rabe, Sophie and Zahn, Thomas and Neuwirth, Julia and Eichler, Sarah and Haubold, Kathrin and Wachholz, Anne and Reibis, Rona Katharina and V{\"o}ller, Heinz}, title = {User Interest in Digital Health Technologies to Encourage Physical Activity}, series = {JMIR. Mhealth \& Uhealth}, volume = {5}, journal = {JMIR. Mhealth \& Uhealth}, number = {4}, publisher = {JMIR Publications}, address = {Toronto}, doi = {10.2196/mhealth.7192}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Background: Although the benefits for health of physical activity (PA) are well documented, the majority of the population is unable to implement present recommendations into daily routine. Mobile health (mHealth) apps could help increase the level of PA. However, this is contingent on the interest of potential users. Objective: The aim of this study was the explorative, nuanced determination of the interest in mHealth apps with respect to PA among students and staff of a university. Methods: We conducted a Web-based survey from June to July 2015 in which students and employees from the University of Potsdam were asked about their activity level, interest in mHealth fitness apps, chronic diseases, and sociodemographic parameters. Results: A total of 1217 students (67.30\%, 819/1217; female; 26.0 years [SD 4.9]) and 485 employees (67.5\%, 327/485; female; 42.7 years [SD 11.7]) participated in the survey. The recommendation for PA (3 times per week) was not met by 70.1\% (340/485) of employees and 52.67\% (641/1217) of students. Within these groups, 53.2\% (341/641 students) and 44.2\% (150/340 employees)—independent of age, sex, body mass index (BMI), and level of education or professional qualification—indicated an interest in mHealth fitness apps. Conclusions: Even in a younger, highly educated population, the majority of respondents reported an insufficient level of PA. About half of them indicated their interest in training support. This suggests that the use of personalized mobile fitness apps may become increasingly significant for a positive change of lifestyle.}, language = {en} } @misc{SalzwedelRabeZahnetal.2017, author = {Salzwedel, Annett and Rabe, Sophie and Zahn, Thomas and Neuwirth, Julia and Eichler, Sarah and Haubold, Kathrin and Wachholz, Anne and Reibis, Rona Katharina and V{\"o}ller, Heinz}, title = {User Interest in Digital Health Technologies to Encourage Physical Activity}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-401872}, pages = {8}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Background: Although the benefits for health of physical activity (PA) are well documented, the majority of the population is unable to implement present recommendations into daily routine. Mobile health (mHealth) apps could help increase the level of PA. However, this is contingent on the interest of potential users. Objective: The aim of this study was the explorative, nuanced determination of the interest in mHealth apps with respect to PA among students and staff of a university. Methods: We conducted a Web-based survey from June to July 2015 in which students and employees from the University of Potsdam were asked about their activity level, interest in mHealth fitness apps, chronic diseases, and sociodemographic parameters. Results: A total of 1217 students (67.30\%, 819/1217; female; 26.0 years [SD 4.9]) and 485 employees (67.5\%, 327/485; female; 42.7 years [SD 11.7]) participated in the survey. The recommendation for PA (3 times per week) was not met by 70.1\% (340/485) of employees and 52.67\% (641/1217) of students. Within these groups, 53.2\% (341/641 students) and 44.2\% (150/340 employees)—independent of age, sex, body mass index (BMI), and level of education or professional qualification—indicated an interest in mHealth fitness apps. Conclusions: Even in a younger, highly educated population, the majority of respondents reported an insufficient level of PA. About half of them indicated their interest in training support. This suggests that the use of personalized mobile fitness apps may become increasingly significant for a positive change of lifestyle.}, language = {en} } @article{VigoritoAbreuAmbrosettietal.2017, author = {Vigorito, Carlo and Abreu, Ana and Ambrosetti, Marco and Belardinelli, Romualdo and Corra, Ugo and Cupples, Margaret and Davos, Constantinos H. and Hoefer, Stefan and Iliou, Marie-Christine and Schmid, Jean-Paul and V{\"o}ller, Heinz and Doherty, Patrick}, title = {Frailty and cardiac rehabilitation: A call to action from the EAPC Cardiac Rehabilitation Section}, series = {European journal of preventive cardiology : the official ESC journal for primary \& secondary cardiovascular prevention, rehabilitation and sports cardiology}, volume = {24}, journal = {European journal of preventive cardiology : the official ESC journal for primary \& secondary cardiovascular prevention, rehabilitation and sports cardiology}, publisher = {Sage Publ.}, address = {London}, issn = {2047-4873}, doi = {10.1177/2047487316682579}, pages = {577 -- 590}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Frailty is a geriatric syndrome characterised by a vulnerability status associated with declining function of multiple physiological systems and loss of physiological reserves. Two main models of frailty have been advanced: the phenotypic model (primary frailty) or deficits accumulation model (secondary frailty), and different instruments have been proposed and validated to measure frailty. However measured, frailty correlates to medical outcomes in the elderly, and has been shown to have prognostic value for patients in different clinical settings, such as in patients with coronary artery disease, after cardiac surgery or transvalvular aortic valve replacement, in patients with chronic heart failure or after left ventricular assist device implantation. The prevalence, clinical and prognostic relevance of frailty in a cardiac rehabilitation setting has not yet been well characterised, despite the increasing frequency of elderly patients in cardiac rehabilitation, where frailty is likely to influence the onset, type and intensity of the exercise training programme and the design of tailored rehabilitative interventions for these patients. Therefore, we need to start looking for frailty in elderly patients entering cardiac rehabilitation programmes and become more familiar with some of the tools to recognise and evaluate the severity of this condition. Furthermore, we need to better understand whether exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation may change the course and the prognosis of frailty in cardiovascular patients.}, language = {en} } @article{HansenDendaleConinxetal.2017, author = {Hansen, Dominique and Dendale, Paul and Coninx, Karin and Vanhees, Luc and Piepoli, Massimo F. and Niebauer, Josef and Cornelissen, Veronique and Pedretti, Roberto and Geurts, Eva and Ruiz, Gustavo R. and Corra, Ugo and Schmid, Jean-Paul and Greco, Eugenio and Davos, Constantinos H. and Edelmann, Frank and Abreu, Ana and Rauch, Bernhard and Ambrosetti, Marco and Braga, Simona S. and Barna, Olga and Beckers, Paul and Bussotti, Maurizio and Fagard, Robert and Faggiano, Pompilio and Garcia-Porrero, Esteban and Kouidi, Evangelia and Lamotte, Michel and Neunhaeuserer, Daniel and Reibis, Rona Katharina and Spruit, Martijn A. and Stettler, Christoph and Takken, Tim and Tonoli, Cajsa and Vigorito, Carlo and V{\"o}ller, Heinz and Doherty, Patrick}, title = {The European Association of Preventive Cardiology Exercise Prescription in Everyday Practice and Rehabilitative Training (EXPERT) tool: A digital training and decision support system for optimized exercise prescription in cardiovascular disease. Concept, definitions and construction methodology}, series = {European journal of preventive cardiology : the official ESC journal for primary \& secondary cardiovascular prevention, rehabilitation and sports cardiology}, volume = {24}, journal = {European journal of preventive cardiology : the official ESC journal for primary \& secondary cardiovascular prevention, rehabilitation and sports cardiology}, publisher = {Sage Publ.}, address = {London}, issn = {2047-4873}, doi = {10.1177/2047487317702042}, pages = {1017 -- 1031}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Background Exercise rehabilitation is highly recommended by current guidelines on prevention of cardiovascular disease, but its implementation is still poor. Many clinicians experience difficulties in prescribing exercise in the presence of different concomitant cardiovascular diseases and risk factors within the same patient. It was aimed to develop a digital training and decision support system for exercise prescription in cardiovascular disease patients in clinical practice: the European Association of Preventive Cardiology Exercise Prescription in Everyday Practice and Rehabilitative Training (EXPERT) tool. Methods EXPERT working group members were requested to define (a) diagnostic criteria for specific cardiovascular diseases, cardiovascular disease risk factors, and other chronic non-cardiovascular conditions, (b) primary goals of exercise intervention, (c) disease-specific prescription of exercise training (intensity, frequency, volume, type, session and programme duration), and (d) exercise training safety advices. The impact of exercise tolerance, common cardiovascular medications and adverse events during exercise testing were further taken into account for optimized exercise prescription. Results Exercise training recommendations and safety advices were formulated for 10 cardiovascular diseases, five cardiovascular disease risk factors (type 1 and 2 diabetes, obesity, hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia), and three common chronic non-cardiovascular conditions (lung and renal failure and sarcopaenia), but also accounted for baseline exercise tolerance, common cardiovascular medications and occurrence of adverse events during exercise testing. An algorithm, supported by an interactive tool, was constructed based on these data. This training and decision support system automatically provides an exercise prescription according to the variables provided. Conclusion This digital training and decision support system may contribute in overcoming barriers in exercise implementation in common cardiovascular diseases.}, language = {en} } @misc{VigoritoAbreuAmbrosettietal.2017, author = {Vigorito, Carlo and Abreu, Ana and Ambrosetti, Marco and Belardinelli, Romualdo and Corr{\`a}, Ugo and Cupples, Margaret and Davos, Constantinos H. and Hoefer, Stefan and Iliou, Marie-Christine and Schmid, Jean-Paul and V{\"o}ller, Heinz and Doherty, Patrick}, title = {Frailty and cardiac rehabilitation}, series = {Postprints der Universit{\"a}t Potsdam : Humanwissenschaftliche Reihe}, journal = {Postprints der Universit{\"a}t Potsdam : Humanwissenschaftliche Reihe}, number = {406}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-405172}, pages = {14}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Frailty is a geriatric syndrome characterised by a vulnerability status associated with declining function of multiple physiological systems and loss of physiological reserves. Two main models of frailty have been advanced: the phenotypic model (primary frailty) or deficits accumulation model (secondary frailty), and different instruments have been proposed and validated to measure frailty. However measured, frailty correlates to medical outcomes in the elderly, and has been shown to have prognostic value for patients in different clinical settings, such as in patients with coronary artery disease, after cardiac surgery or transvalvular aortic valve replacement, in patients with chronic heart failure or after left ventricular assist device implantation. The prevalence, clinical and prognostic relevance of frailty in a cardiac rehabilitation setting has not yet been well characterised, despite the increasing frequency of elderly patients in cardiac rehabilitation, where frailty is likely to influence the onset, type and intensity of the exercise training programme and the design of tailored rehabilitative interventions for these patients. Therefore, we need to start looking for frailty in elderly patients entering cardiac rehabilitation programmes and become more familiar with some of the tools to recognise and evaluate the severity of this condition. Furthermore, we need to better understand whether exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation may change the course and the prognosis of frailty in cardiovascular patients.}, language = {en} } @article{FayyazJaptokSchumacheretal.2017, author = {Fayyaz, Susann and Japtok, Lukasz and Schumacher, Fabian and Wigger, Dominik and Schulz, Tim Julius and Haubold, Kathrin and Gulbins, Erich and V{\"o}ller, Heinz and Kleuser, Burkhard}, title = {Lysophosphatidic acid inhibits insulin signaling in primary rat hepatocytes via the LPA(3) receptor subtype and is increased in obesity}, series = {Cellular physiology and biochemistry : international journal of experimental cellular physiology, biochemistry and pharmacology}, volume = {43}, journal = {Cellular physiology and biochemistry : international journal of experimental cellular physiology, biochemistry and pharmacology}, publisher = {Karger}, address = {Basel}, issn = {1015-8987}, doi = {10.1159/000480470}, pages = {445 -- 456}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Background/Aims: Obesity is a main risk factor for the development of hepatic insulin resistance and it is accompanied by adipocyte hypertrophy and an elevated expression of different adipokines such as autotaxin (ATX). ATX converts lysophosphatidylcholine to lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and acts as the main producer of extracellular LPA. This bioactive lipid regulates a broad range of physiological and pathological responses by activation of LPA receptors (LPA1-6). Methods: The activation of phosphatidylinositide 3-kinases (PI3K) signaling (Akt and GSK-3ß) was analyzed via western blotting in primary rat hepatocytes. Incorporation of glucose into glycogen was measured by using radio labeled glucose. Real-time PCR analysis and pharmacological modulation of LPA receptors were performed. Human plasma LPA levels of obese (BMI > 30, n = 18) and normal weight individuals (BMI 18.5-25, n = 14) were analyzed by liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Results: Pretreatment of primary hepatocytes with LPA resulted in an inhibition of insulin-mediated Gck expression, PI3K activation and glycogen synthesis. Pharmacological approaches revealed that the LPA3-receptor subtype is responsible for the inhibitory effect of LPA on insulin signaling. Moreover, human plasma LPA concentrations (16: 0 LPA) of obese participants (BMI > 30) are significantly elevated in comparison to normal weight individuals (BMI 18.5-25). Conclusion: LPA is able to interrupt insulin signaling in primary rat hepatocytes via the LPA3 receptor subtype. Moreover, the bioactive lipid LPA (16: 0) is increased in obesity.}, language = {en} } @misc{EichlerRabeSalzwedeletal.2017, author = {Eichler, Sarah and Rabe, Sophie and Salzwedel, Annett and M{\"u}ller, Steffen and Stoll, Josefine and Tilgner, Nina and John, Michael and Wegschneider, Karl and Mayer, Frank and V{\"o}ller, Heinz}, title = {Effectiveness of an interactive telerehabilitation system with home-based exercise training in patients after total hip or knee replacement}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-403702}, pages = {7}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Background Total hip or knee replacement is one of the most frequently performed surgical procedures. Physical rehabilitation following total hip or knee replacement is an essential part of the therapy to improve functional outcomes and quality of life. After discharge from inpatient rehabilitation, a subsequent postoperative exercise therapy is needed to maintain functional mobility. Telerehabilitation may be a potential innovative treatment approach. We aim to investigate the superiority of an interactive telerehabilitation intervention for patients after total hip or knee replacement, in comparison to usual care, regarding physical performance, functional mobility, quality of life and pain. Methods/design This is an open, randomized controlled, multicenter superiority study with two prospective arms. One hundred and ten eligible and consenting participants with total knee or hip replacement will be recruited at admission to subsequent inpatient rehabilitation. After comprehensive, 3-week, inpatient rehabilitation, the intervention group performs a 3-month, interactive, home-based exercise training with a telerehabilitation system. For this purpose, the physiotherapist creates an individual training plan out of 38 different strength and balance exercises which were implemented in the system. Data about the quality and frequency of training are transmitted to the physiotherapist for further adjustment. Communication between patient and physiotherapist is possible with the system. The control group receives voluntary, usual aftercare programs. Baseline assessments are investigated after discharge from rehabilitation; final assessments 3 months later. The primary outcome is the difference in improvement between intervention and control group in 6-minute walk distance after 3 months. Secondary outcomes include differences in the Timed Up and Go Test, the Five-Times-Sit-to-Stand Test, the Stair Ascend Test, the Short-Form 36, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and postural control as well as gait and kinematic parameters of the lower limbs. Baseline-adjusted analysis of covariance models will be used to test for group differences in the primary and secondary endpoints. Discussion We expect the intervention group to benefit from the interactive, home-based exercise training in many respects represented by the study endpoints. If successful, this approach could be used to enhance the access to aftercare programs, especially in structurally weak areas.}, language = {en} } @article{EichlerRabeSalzwedeletal.2017, author = {Eichler, Sarah and Rabe, Sophie and Salzwedel, Annett and M{\"u}ller, Steffen and Stoll, Josefine and Tilgner, Nina and John, Michael and Wegschneider, Karl and Mayer, Frank and V{\"o}ller, Heinz}, title = {Effectiveness of an interactive telerehabilitation system with home-based exercise training in patients after total hip or knee replacement}, series = {Trials}, volume = {18}, journal = {Trials}, publisher = {BioMed Central}, address = {London}, issn = {1745-6215}, doi = {10.1186/s13063-017-2173-3}, pages = {1 -- 7}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Background Total hip or knee replacement is one of the most frequently performed surgical procedures. Physical rehabilitation following total hip or knee replacement is an essential part of the therapy to improve functional outcomes and quality of life. After discharge from inpatient rehabilitation, a subsequent postoperative exercise therapy is needed to maintain functional mobility. Telerehabilitation may be a potential innovative treatment approach. We aim to investigate the superiority of an interactive telerehabilitation intervention for patients after total hip or knee replacement, in comparison to usual care, regarding physical performance, functional mobility, quality of life and pain. Methods/design This is an open, randomized controlled, multicenter superiority study with two prospective arms. One hundred and ten eligible and consenting participants with total knee or hip replacement will be recruited at admission to subsequent inpatient rehabilitation. After comprehensive, 3-week, inpatient rehabilitation, the intervention group performs a 3-month, interactive, home-based exercise training with a telerehabilitation system. For this purpose, the physiotherapist creates an individual training plan out of 38 different strength and balance exercises which were implemented in the system. Data about the quality and frequency of training are transmitted to the physiotherapist for further adjustment. Communication between patient and physiotherapist is possible with the system. The control group receives voluntary, usual aftercare programs. Baseline assessments are investigated after discharge from rehabilitation; final assessments 3 months later. The primary outcome is the difference in improvement between intervention and control group in 6-minute walk distance after 3 months. Secondary outcomes include differences in the Timed Up and Go Test, the Five-Times-Sit-to-Stand Test, the Stair Ascend Test, the Short-Form 36, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and postural control as well as gait and kinematic parameters of the lower limbs. Baseline-adjusted analysis of covariance models will be used to test for group differences in the primary and secondary endpoints. Discussion We expect the intervention group to benefit from the interactive, home-based exercise training in many respects represented by the study endpoints. If successful, this approach could be used to enhance the access to aftercare programs, especially in structurally weak areas.}, language = {en} }