Effects of Remote Exercise on Physical Function in Pre-Frail Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND Remote exercise have emerged as a promising solution to overcome barriers to physical activity participation in pre-frail older adults, such as limited mobility and accessibility issues. Pre-frail older adults often face barriers to physical activity due to limited mobility and accessibility, underscoring the need for remote exercise alternatives. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the efficacy of remote versus in-person exercise in improving physical function in pre-frail older adults. MATERIAL AND METHODS Ninety pre-frail older adults aged 65 years and above were recruited, and randomly assigned to 3 groups: the remote exercise group (REG, n=30), the in-person exercise group (IPEG, n=30), and the control group (CG, n=30). The REG and IPEG groups underwent identical exercise, including balance, strength, and gait training, conducted twice weekly for 8 weeks. The REG received live, real-time instructions via video conferencing, while the IPEG participated in identical sessions conducted at a local facility. Outcome measures included assessments of balance, lower-limb strength, gait ability, and fall efficacy. RESULTS Both the REG and IPEG groups demonstrated significant improvements in balance, gait ability, lower-limb strength, and fall efficacy compared to the CG (P<0.05). No significant differences were found between the REG and IPEG groups across all outcome measures, indicating that remote exercise were as effective as in-person sessions. CONCLUSIONS Remote exercise effectively enhanced balance, strength, gait, and fall efficacy in pre-frail older adults, providing a viable alternative to traditional in-person programs and addressing healthcare disparities.