S21 Feasibility of smartphone-based physical activity tele-coaching in lung transplant recipients

IntroductionAs the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the demand for tele-medicine remains high, particularly for lung transplant recipients who often live far from transplant centres. This interim analysis presents the early findings from our study investigating the feasibility of a 3-month semi-automated tele-coaching intervention (Demeyer et al., 2017, Thorax ) in this population.MethodsThe intervention consists of a pedometer and smartphone app, allowing transmission of activity data to a platform (Linkcare v2.7.1) that provides feedback, activity goals, education, and contact with the researcher as required. Remote assessment pre- and post-intervention includes physical activity (PA) using accelerometry (Actigraph GT3X), HADS, SF-36 questionnaire and patient acceptability by a project-tailored questionnaire.ResultsSo far, all eligible patients approached were willing to be randomised to the intervention or usual care (n=9; COPD=2, ILD=5; CF=1; PH=1). In the intervention, usage of the pedometer was excellent, with patients wearing it for 6.9±0.1 days per week and rating the pedometer and telephone contact (9±2 out of 10) as the most vital aspects. Patient feedback has been positive, with 80% (4 out of 5) of patients responding that they ‘liked’ taking part and that the intervention ‘helped them a lot’ to increase their activity levels. In patients who completed the intervention (n=5), there was an improvement in accelerometry daily steps (by 2830±3026), time spent in light (by 26±21 mins) and moderate (by 7±11 mins) activities, as well as a reduction in sedentary time (by -58±141 mins) at 3 months. At 6 months (n=3), there was a further improvement in daily steps (by 1641±661), a reduction in sedentary time (by -28±137 mins) and time spent in light activities (by -21±36 mins), with an increase in moderate activity time (by 25±29 mins). Following the 3-month intervention, increases were shown in physical functioning, role physical, mental health, bodily pain, and general health SF-36 domain scores, but not in HADs. Abstract S21 Figure 1Daily steps using accelerometry (Actigraph GTX3), at baseline (hospital discharge), 3 months and 6 months for lung transplant recipients assigned to the intervention group (n=5)ConclusionTele-coaching appears feasible in lung transplant recipients, with patients wearing the pedometer and interacting well with the app over 3 months. This is promising in the current climate, with the need to develop and evaluate innovative ways o