Elif Dilara DURMAZ, Cansu ŞAHBAZ PİRİNÇÇİ, Muhammed ARCA, Emine CİHAN
Journal of Surgery and Medicine - 2026;10(5):143-147
Background/Aim: YouTube is widely used by patients and caregivers seeking exercise -related health information; however, the scientific accuracy and clinical reliability of this content remain un certain. This study aimed to evaluate the quality and reliability of YouTube videos on cardiac rehabilitation exercises for individuals with chronic heart disease. Methods: A total of 124 YouTube videos were initially screened, and 67 videos that met the inclusion criteria were analyzed. Video characteristics, including duration, time since upload, views, likes, dislikes, comments, and upload source, were recorded. Each video was assessed using the Journal of the American Medical Association benchmark criteria, the Global Quality Scale, and the DISCERN score. Results: The analyzed videos had a mean (SD) view count of 26,720.92 (68,307.01), comment count of 2.79 (7.68), like count of 149.74 (529.59), and dislike count of 0 (0). The total number of views was significantly correlated with the Global Quality Scale score (r = -0.368; P = 0.002) and the DISCERN score (r = -0.279; P = 0.022). Likes, time since upload, video power index, and video duration were not significantly correlated with overall DISCERN, Global Quality Scale, or Journal of the American Medical Association scores ( P = 0.071 -0.921). Conclusion: YouTube videos on cardiac rehabilitation exercises demonstrated generally good quality but only moderate reliability. Nevertheless, these findings do not mean that all videos are clinically appropriate for every patient. Individuals should consult a physician or physiotherapist before performing exercises demonstrated in online videos.
