Effectiveness of a Structured Multidimensional Tele-rehabilitation Intervention in Cardiac Patients With Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (CARDIO-PICS)

This interventional, two-arm, parallel-group randomized clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of an additional rehabilitation intervention compared with standard clinical practice in patients affected by Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS). The post-rehabilitation phase represents a critical period for consolidating the therapeutic gains achieved during inpatient rehabilitation and reinforcing the clinical recommendations provided. In this framework, telerehabilitation emerges as a potentially valuable strategy to enhance adherence to post-rehabilitation prescriptions and ensure continuity of care.

The primary objective of the study is to assess whether a structured remote intervention can reduce the risk of rehospitalization and mortality, while improving clinical and functional outcomes across the four key domains of PICS. Specifically, the study will determine whether a multidisciplinary, remotely delivered cardiac telerehabilitation program can promote recovery and decrease the incidence of readmissions or complications among patients previously hospitalized in the Intensive Care Unit.

Following completion of the inpatient rehabilitation program, participants will be randomly allocated to one of two groups: the intervention group will undergo a structured four-month telerehabilitation program, whereas the control group will continue with standard discharge recommendations and conventional follow-up. All participants will be evaluated at 4 and 12 months after discharge to monitor physical, cognitive, psychological, and metabolic outcomes and to assess the long-term effectiveness of the intervention.

A total of approximately 326 patients aged between 30 and 75 years will be enrolled. Participation will be offered to individuals exhibiting signs or symptoms consistent with Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS), with the overall aim of promoting a more complete and sustained recovery following the critical illness phase.

Inclusion criteria

• Adults aged 30-75 years
• Previous ICU admission ≥48 hours
• Presence of Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS), defined as at least one of the following objectively assessed impairments at baseline (T0):
• Neuromotor impairment, defined as Diagnosis of Critical Illness Myopathy (CIM) or Critical Illness Polyneuropathy (CIP), confirmed by electromyography (EMG)
• Cognitive impairment, defined as Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score < 26
• Psychological impairment, defined as Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) score ≥ 10
• Nutritional impairment, defined as the presence of malnutrion according to GLIM criteria, requiring at least one phenotypic criterion (non-volitional weight loss >5% within 6 months or >10% beyond 6 months; BMI <20 kg/m² if <70 years or <22 kg/m² if ≥70 years; reduced muscle mass) and at least one etiologic criterion (reduced food intake or assimilation for >1 week, or any acute/chronic inflammatory burden) and/or presence of sarcopenia assessed by calf circumference <31 cm and reduced muscle strength measured by handgrip strength
• Metabolic or bone metabolism disorder, defined as altered bone metabolism markers (Bone Turnover Markers outside reference range)

Ability to provide written informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• Prognostically unfavorable malnutrition defined as: CONUT score ≥5.
• Delirium present at the time of the enrollment, documented by a positive Confusion Assessment Method (CAM or CAM-ICU)
• Pre-existing severe cognitive impairment or dementia, defined as:

documented diagnosis in the medical record prior to ICU admission

• Any clinical condition limiting participation in the rehabilitation program, including: severe orthopedic, neurological, or functional limitations not related to PICS