Feasibility of Physical Telerehabilitation in Seniors with Mobility Limitation

Background In this study, we assessed the feasibility and clinical impact of physical telerehabilitation in seniors with mobility limitation. Methods A total of ten patients (≥50 yrs) with limited mobility were recruited for a pilot testing of Home Automated Telemanagement (HAT) rehabilitation system. A physical therapist prescribed the exercise program for each patient and it was uploaded to the HAT unit. The patients were trained on how to use the system at home. Results from the HAT unit were sent to the central server and immediately updated on clinical portal where the clinicians were given access to monitor the progress. Results We compared the patient functional status from the baseline to 12-week follow-up. The functional status was measured by a timed 25-foot walk (T25FW), 6-minute walk, and Berg Balance Scale (BBS). For the T25FW, time (in seconds) was measured while patients walked 25 feet and for 6-minute walk, distance (in feet) was measured while patients walked for 6 minutes. The BBS measured the balance of 14 movements. The T25FW, 6-minute Walk, and BBS scores improved significantly from baseline to the 12th week evaluation. The T25FW decreased from 13.3 to 10.4 seconds and 6-minute walk increased from 691.2 to 811.2 feet with p values less than 0.05. The BBS score improved from 37.6 to 42.3 points, which means patients moved from medium fall risk to low fall risk group. Conclusion The home-based physical telerehabilitation showed the potential on functional improvement and was well accepted by the seniors with limited mobility.