DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES APPLIED TO CARDIAC REHABILITATION: EFFECTS AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY, ADHERENCE, AND QUALITY OF LIFE: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

This article aimed to analyze the contribution of digital technologies as a therapeutic resource in cardiovascular physiotherapy, highlighting their role in functional capacity. This is an integrative review with a qualitative approach, conducted in PubMed and ScienceDirect, using descriptors related to cardiovascular rehabilitation, telerehabilitation, cardiovascular physiotherapy, and digital technologies, in Portuguese, English, and Spanish. Full and freely available studies published between 2021 and 2026 on the use of technologies in cardiac rehabilitation were included. Initially, 616 studies were identified, of which 10 were selected. The results demonstrated that mobile applications, wearable devices, telemonitoring, and telerehabilitation programs may contribute to functional capacity, adherence, physical activity, and quality of life, as well as expand access for people with travel difficulties or limitations in attending specialized centers. However, the results were not uniform, some evidence presented low certainty, and some studies had no final efficacy results. It is concluded that digital technologies have potential as alternative or complementary strategies to conventional cardiac rehabilitation, and further studies on efficacy, safety, and applicability are needed.