Telerehabilitation for seniors; Advantages and challenges

Backgrounds and objectives: Telerehabilitation is the use of information and communication technology to deliver rehabilitation at a distance. Telerehabilitation can be an alter-native or supplement to traditional rehabilitation to increase the availability, support and tailoring of available programmes. There are three categories of TR: image-based TR, sensor-based TR and use of virtual technologies. TR can be performed via videoconferencingwhere patients and health professionals have real-time contacts, via recording of video sessions, or via automated algorithms which guide the patients through an exercise programme. Sensors measuring glucose levels, blood pressure, oxygen saturation or physical activity can provide an overview of the evolution of the patient’s health status without the need to visit a health institution. Various studies have shown that TR can have similar effects to those of traditional rehabilitation. Human life expectancy and the population of elderly people over 60 years old are increasing. People might be less available to properly support older family members. Costs of hospitalization and nursery homes, as well as physical barriers, loneliness, and isolation, are among challenges that elderly are facing. TR feasibility and concept have been linked to the existing technologies for simulation and interaction. VR settings provide immediate feedback that could be necessary for all forms of learning. They also offer personalized environments according to the needs of the different participants.Method: In this study, a systematic review of the databases google scholar, pubmed, science direct, Elsevier between the years 2013 and 2019 with the keywords telerehabilitation, seniors, advantages, challenges Search is done. In this process, studies that examined the benefits and challenges of telerehabilitation were included in the study. Results: Advantages of telerehabilitation The use of TR can eliminate practical barriers, such as difficult weather conditions and long travel distances. Differences between municipalities can be reduced by the provision of specialised rehabil-itation where this is not available. TR allows for more frequent exercise sessions than traditional centre-based rehabilitation programmes, which are often provided 1-2 times a week. Furthermore, the technology can encourage exercise regularity through tailored motivational messages, which can prevent dropout during holiday periods. TR can be conducted individually or in groups. Interactive features and gamification elements can create group affiliation and increase training motivation. Rehabilitation in the home environment can also support long-term exercise maintenance. The use of VR and serious games for older adults are generally categorized in improving upper and lower limbs movements, balance, mobility training, daily living, neglect, and cognition. Challenges of telerehabilitation The challenge is to provide enough amount and intensity and therefore, various technological approaches have been proposed. Adopting TR in clinical practice requires organisation changes which may be challenging. Computer literacy among the users may affect adherence, and the technology must be available and affordable to those who want to make use of TR. Conclusion: Telerehabilitation uses information and communication technology and offers accessible and affordable services to people in their homes. The cost-effectiveness of TR remains still unknown. Future studies should therefore evaluate organisational and economic effects of TR.

کلیدواژه ها:

telerehabilitation ، seniors ، advantages ، challenges