Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies · Oct 10, 2025

Effectiveness of a structured online rehabilitation program in enhancing functional performance in older adults: A non-randomized intervention trial

By Joseph A, Rodrigues D, Priya BD et al.

PURPOSE: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured online rehabilitation program in enhancing functional performance among elderly individuals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 12-week intervention was conducted, comparing two groups: one participating in an online rehabilitation program and the other following a conventional exercise booklet. Functional performance was measured using the Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living (ADL), Timed Up and Go (TUG), 30-s Chair Sit to Stand (CST), and Hand Grip Strength (HGS) at baseline, mid-intervention, and post-intervention. RESULTS: Both groups demonstrated significant within-group improvements in functional performance (p < 0.001). In the online rehabilitation group, median TUG time decreased by 1.19 s (IQR: -1.62 to -0.59, r = 0.68), CST increased by 2.5 repetitions (IQR: 1-3, r = 0.71), and HGS improved by 1.10 kg (IQR: -0.12 to 3.67, r = 0.60). The conventional group showed comparable gains: TUG decreased by 0.94 s (IQR: -1.49 to -0.58, r = 0.66), CST increased by 2 repetitions (IQR: 0-3, r = 0.64), and HGS improved by 2.30 kg (IQR: 0.20-3.80, r = 0.58). Between-group comparisons indicated no significant differences in TUG (p = 0.674, r = 0.07), CST (p = 0.121, r = 0.21), or HGS (p = 0.363, r = 0.14). CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that both online and conventional exercise programs effectively enhance functional performance in the elderly. The absence of significant differences between the groups indicates that online rehabilitation is a viable and accessible alternative to traditional exercise programs, particularly for individuals with mobility or accessibility challenges.

doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2025.10.008PubMed 41316655Interventions