Abstract
Aims To evaluate the effectiveness of tele-exercise (TE) on the physical function of elderly at risk of falls in comparison with a community-based group (CB)
Methods
A 3-month single-blind, randomized controlled trial (RCT) with assessment at baseline and after the intervention was performed. Participants were recruited from the elderly community centres in Hong Kong and attended exercise training 3 times per week for 3 months, either online (TE) or face-to-face (CB). The exercise training was based on Otago Exercise Programme. Outcome measures included the Chinese version of Fall Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I), 6-meter walk test, Time Up and Go Test, Berg Balance Scale and functional reach test.
Results
A total of 17 participants were recruited, with a mean age of 79.56 ± 4.44 for CB and 77.50 ± 6.78 for TE (NS). The mean attendance rate was satisfactory for both groups, with CB at 93.52±6.34% and TE at 87.50%±10.65% (NS). All outcomes showed improvement trends after the 3-month intervention. FES-I, Time Up and Go test, and Functional Reach test were significantly improved in CB at 3 months compared with its baseline. The 6-meter walk test, Time Up and Go Test, and Berg Balance Scale were significantly improved in TE at 3 months compared with its baseline. Participants in TE at 3 months significantly performed better than CB in the Time Up and Go Test.
Conclusions
Preliminary data suggests that both online and face-to-face exercise training can effectively improve physical function among elderly at risk of falls. CB participants improved their fall risk, mobility, and balance, while TE participants improved their gait speed, mobility, and balance. However, due to the small sample size, the results should be interpreted cautiously. Further research with a larger sample size is needed to confirm these findings and to understand better the potential benefits and limitations of tele-exercise for the elderly.
Methods
A 3-month single-blind, randomized controlled trial (RCT) with assessment at baseline and after the intervention was performed. Participants were recruited from the elderly community centres in Hong Kong and attended exercise training 3 times per week for 3 months, either online (TE) or face-to-face (CB). The exercise training was based on Otago Exercise Programme. Outcome measures included the Chinese version of Fall Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I), 6-meter walk test, Time Up and Go Test, Berg Balance Scale and functional reach test.
Results
A total of 17 participants were recruited, with a mean age of 79.56 ± 4.44 for CB and 77.50 ± 6.78 for TE (NS). The mean attendance rate was satisfactory for both groups, with CB at 93.52±6.34% and TE at 87.50%±10.65% (NS). All outcomes showed improvement trends after the 3-month intervention. FES-I, Time Up and Go test, and Functional Reach test were significantly improved in CB at 3 months compared with its baseline. The 6-meter walk test, Time Up and Go Test, and Berg Balance Scale were significantly improved in TE at 3 months compared with its baseline. Participants in TE at 3 months significantly performed better than CB in the Time Up and Go Test.
Conclusions
Preliminary data suggests that both online and face-to-face exercise training can effectively improve physical function among elderly at risk of falls. CB participants improved their fall risk, mobility, and balance, while TE participants improved their gait speed, mobility, and balance. However, due to the small sample size, the results should be interpreted cautiously. Further research with a larger sample size is needed to confirm these findings and to understand better the potential benefits and limitations of tele-exercise for the elderly.
| Original language | English |
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| Publication status | Published - 27 Oct 2023 |
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