Efectos de un programa de telerehabilitación sobre la funcionalidad en personas mayores

Rodrigo Yañez-Yañez; Rubén Loncon; Valeria Elizama; Nelson Mc Ardle-Draguicevic; Igor Cigarroa

doi:10.19136/hs.a21n2.4863

Authors

Rodrigo Yañez-Yañez University of Magallanes, Chile https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2814-2428
Rubén Loncon Department of Kinesiology, University of Magallanes, Chile https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6064-7143
Valeria Elizama Faculty of Health Sciences, San Sebastián University, Chile https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5856-4226
Nelson Mc Ardle-Draguicevic Department of Kinesiology, University of Magallanes, Chile https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6514-4676
Igor Cigarroa School of Kinesiology, Faculty of Health, Universidad Santo Tomás, Chile https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0418-8787

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.19136/hs.a21n2.4863

Abstract

Objective: To determine the effects of a telerehabilitation (TR) program on the level of functional independence and the number of falls in older people attending a day care center.

Materials and method: 14 older people (x̄ = 74 years), submitted to a kinesitherapy / physiotherapy / physical therapy (PT) program through telerehabilitation for a period of 12 weeks. The control group received educational intervention through a physical activity booklet which they had to develop independently, with weekly telephone supervision, while the experimental group received 15 kinesitherapy / physiotherapy / physical therapy sessions via video calls through WhatsAppTM application. Both groups were evaluated pre and post intervention with the Barthel index scale (BI) and the number of falls using the comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA).

Results: The experimental group increased the Barthel index scale score (↑3,6) while the control group decreased this score (↓6,9). Both groups decreased the number of falls, without differences between groups. When comparing both groups, the elderly who underwent a kinesitherapy / physiotherapy / physical therapy program through telerehabilitation showed significantly greater improvements in Barthel index scale than the control group (p <0.05).

Conclusion: Older people who participated in a kinesitherapy / physiotherapy / physical therapy program through telerehabilitation presented a higher level of functional independence compared to participants in the intervention with a phone call-guided physical activity booklet, which suggests a telerehabilitation programs as an alternative therapeutics to improve the level of independence in older people.

Keywords: Elderly; Telerehabilitation; Independent Living; Accidental Falls; Clinical Trial

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Author Biographies

Rodrigo Yañez-Yañez, University of Magallanes, Chile

Master in Interdisciplinary Clinical Gerontology, Kinesiology Degree, Department of Kinesiology, University of Magallanes, Punta Arenas, Chile.
Rubén Loncon, Department of Kinesiology, University of Magallanes, Chile

Graduate in Kinesiology, Kinesiology degree, Department of Kinesiology, University of Magallanes, Punta Arenas, Chile.
Valeria Elizama, Faculty of Health Sciences, San Sebastián University, Chile

Kinesiologist Master in Strategic Health Management and Management, Diploma in Telemedicine, Digital Health Coordinator of the San Sebastián University and General Secretary of the International Organization of Telehealth and Telemedicine (OITT) period 2022-2026.
Nelson Mc Ardle-Draguicevic, Department of Kinesiology, University of Magallanes, Chile

Master in clinical gerontology, kinesiology degree, department of kinesiology, University of Magallanes. Punta Arenas, Magallanes Region, Chile.
Igor Cigarroa, School of Kinesiology, Faculty of Health, Universidad Santo Tomás, Chile

Doctor in Neuroscience. Associate academic of the School of Kinesiology, Faculty of Health, Universidad Santo Tomás, Los Angeles, Chile.