Remote Teleassessment and Telerehabilitation of a Comprehensive Exercise Training Protocol for Older Adults: Design and Methodology of a Usability Protocol

Authors

Savitha Subramaniam, University of Illinois at ChicagoFollow
Spyros Kitsiou, University of Illinois at ChicagoFollow
Tanvi Bhatt, University of Illinois at ChicagoFollow

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Purpose: The design, usability, safety, and feasibility of a telehealth protocol comprising teleassessment and tele rehabilitation to evaluate and improve physical and cognitive function among older adults was assessed. Methods: Healthy older adults (n=23) participated in a pre-post tele-assessment of a 4-week (3 sessions/week) telerehabilitation session. Tele-assessment was performed to evaluate balance, gait function, and cognition. Tele-rehabilitation sessions comprised of balance games, dancing, dual-tasking, yoga, and tai-chi exercises. Results: There were no adverse events reported to indicate concerns with the safety of the current telehealth protocol. Conclusion: The proposed telehealth protocol to assess and improve physical and cognitive function may be feasible for enrolling older adults into a home exercise trial.

Author Bio(s)

Savitha Subramaniam, PT, PhD, is a senior post-doctoral fellow, College of Medicine.

Spyros Kitsiou, PhD, is an Associate Professor, Biomedical and Health Information Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago.

Tanvi Bhatt, PT, PhD, is a Professor, Physical Therapy Program Coordinator, MS in Healthspan Promotion and Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy, Professor, Rehabilitation Sciences. University of Illinois at Chicago.

Recommended Citation

Subramaniam S, Kitsiou S, Bhatt T. Remote Teleassessment and Telerehabilitation of a Comprehensive Exercise Training Protocol for Older Adults: Design and Methodology of a Usability Protocol. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 2023 Dec 15;22(1), Article 14.