@misc{ReibisKuehlSalzwedeletal.2018, 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 = {Postprints der Universit{\"a}t Potsdam : Humanwissenschaftliche Reihe}, volume = {5}, journal = {Postprints der Universit{\"a}t Potsdam : Humanwissenschaftliche Reihe}, number = {378}, issn = {1866-8364}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-407637}, year = {2018}, 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{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{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{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} } @phdthesis{Eichler2017, author = {Eichler, Sarah}, title = {Multidisziplin{\"a}re kardiologische Rehabilitation bei Patienten nach kathetergest{\"u}tzter Aortenklappenkorrektur}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-406618}, school = {Universit{\"a}t Potsdam}, pages = {XI, 63, XXXI}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Hintergrund F{\"u}r Patienten mit hochgradiger Aortenklappenstenose, die aufgrund ihres Alters oder ihrer Multimorbidit{\"a}t ein hohes Operationsrisiko tragen, konnte mit der kathetergest{\"u}tzten Aortenklappenkorrektur (transcatheter aortic valve implantation, TAVI) eine vielversprechende Alternative zum herzchirurgischen Eingriff etabliert werden. Explizite Daten zur multidisziplin{\"a}ren kardiologischen Rehabilitation nach TAVI liegen bislang nicht vor. Ziel vorliegender Arbeit war, den Effekt der kardiologischen Rehabilitation auf die k{\"o}rperliche Leistungsf{\"a}higkeit, den emotionalen Status, die Lebensqualit{\"a}t und die Gebrechlichkeit bei Patienten nach TAVI zu untersuchen sowie Pr{\"a}diktoren f{\"u}r die Ver{\"a}nderung der k{\"o}rperlichen Leistungsf{\"a}higkeit und der Lebensqualit{\"a}t zu identifizieren. Methodik Zwischen 10/2013 und 07/2015 wurden 136 Patienten (80,6 ± 5,0 Jahre, 47,8 \% M{\"a}nner) in Anschlussheilbehandlung nach TAVI in drei kardiologischen Rehabilitationskliniken eingeschlossen. Zur Beurteilung des Effekts der kardiologischen Rehabilitation wurden jeweils zu Beginn und Ende der Rehabilitation der Frailty (Gebrechlichkeits)-Index (Score bestehend aus Barthel-Index, Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, Mini Mental State Exam, Mini Nutritional Assessment, Timed Up and Go und subjektiver Mobilit{\"a}tsverschlechterung), die Lebensqualit{\"a}t im Short-Form 12 (SF-12) sowie die funktionale k{\"o}rperliche Leistungsf{\"a}higkeit im 6-Minuten Gehtest (6-minute walk test, 6MWT) und die maximale k{\"o}rperliche Leistungsf{\"a}higkeit in der Belastungs-Ergometrie erhoben. Zus{\"a}tzlich wurden soziodemographische Daten (z. B. Alter und Geschlecht), Komorbidit{\"a}ten (z. B. chronisch obstruktive Lungenerkrankung, koronare Herzkrankheit und Karzinom), kardiovaskul{\"a}re Risikofaktoren und die NYHA-Klasse dokumentiert. Pr{\"a}diktoren f{\"u}r die Ver{\"a}nderung der k{\"o}rperlichen Leistungsf{\"a}higkeit und Lebensqualit{\"a}t wurden mit Kovarianzanalysen angepasst. Ergebnisse Die maximale Gehstrecke im 6MWT konnte um 56,3 ± 65,3 m (p < 0,001) und die maximale k{\"o}rperliche Leistungsf{\"a}higkeit in der Belastungs-Ergometrie um 8,0 ± 14,9 Watt (p < 0001) gesteigert werden. Weiterhin konnte eine Verbesserung im SF-12 sowohl in der k{\"o}rperlichen Summenskala um 2,5 ± 8,7 Punkte (p = 0,001) als auch in der psychischen Summenskala um 3,4 ± 10,2 Punkte (p = 0,003) erreicht werden. In der multivariaten Analyse waren ein h{\"o}heres Alter und eine h{\"o}here Bildung signifikant mit einer geringeren Zunahme im 6MWT assoziiert, w{\"a}hrenddessen eine bessere kognitive Leistungsf{\"a}higkeit und Adipositas einen positiven pr{\"a}diktiven Wert aufwiesen. Eine h{\"o}here Selbstst{\"a}ndigkeit und ein besserer Ern{\"a}hrungsstatus beeinflussten die Ver{\"a}nderung in der k{\"o}rperlichen Summenskala des SF-12 positiv, w{\"a}hrenddessen eine bessere kognitive Leistungsf{\"a}higkeit einen Pr{\"a}diktor f{\"u}r eine geringere Ver{\"a}nderung darstellte. Des Weiteren hatten die jeweiligen Ausgangswerte der k{\"o}rperlichen und psychischen Summenskala im SF-12 einen inversen Einfluss auf die Ver{\"a}nderungen in der gleichen Skala. Schlussfolgerung Eine multidisziplin{\"a}re kardiologische Rehabilitation kann sowohl die k{\"o}rperliche Leistungs-f{\"a}higkeit und Lebensqualit{\"a}t verbessern als auch die Gebrechlichkeit von Patienten nach kathetergest{\"u}tzter Aortenklappenkorrektur verringern. Daraus resultierend gilt es, spezifische Assessments f{\"u}r die kardiologische Rehabilitation zu entwickeln. Weiterhin ist es notwendig, individualisierte Therapieprogramme mit besonderem Augenmerk auf kognitive Funktionen und Ern{\"a}hrung zu initiieren, um die Selbstst{\"a}ndigkeit hochbetagter Patienten zu erhalten bzw. wiederherzustellen und um die Pflegebed{\"u}rftigkeit der Patienten hinauszuz{\"o}gern.}, language = {de} } @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} } @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 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{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} }