Delivering a Tele-Rehabilitation Based Exercise Programme to Promote Fitness in Perimenopausal Women: A Randomised Control Trial

Authors

Eden Mehdiabadi
Institute College of Physiotherapy, 12, Thube Park, Shivaji Nagar, Pune- 411005, Maharashtra
Apurv Shimpi
Sancheti Institute College of Physiotherapy, Thube Park, Shivaji Nagar, Pune, Maharashtra, India
Suroshree Mitra
Sancheti Institute College of Physiotherapy, Thube Park, Shivaji Nagar, Pune, Maharashtra, India

Synopsis

Introduction: Healthcare systems have been swiftly adopting the use of tele-rehabilitation systems for health promotion. Indian women have a relatively earlier onset of menopause, but do not seek healthcare due to social inhibitions. Hence, reaching to them proactively through delivery of a tele-rehabilitation fitness program as against in-person health services may offer a solution towards enhancement of health related fitness and quality of life in perimenopausal women.

Methods: A randomised, single blinded, active control trial was conducted with 55 perimenopausal women (mean age 50.5±3.5 years). A six week home-based exercise programme was delivered and monitored through tele-rehabilitation systems (group 1), and in-person (group 2). Outcome measures included body composition, cardiovascular endurance, muscular endurance, flexibility, and menopause specific quality of life. For intra-group analysis, paired t-test for parametric data and Wilcoxon signed rank test for non-parametric data was used while unpaired t-test and Mann Whitney-U test were used respectively for inter-group analysis with α set at p≤0.05 at 95% confidence interval.

Results: Both groups showed enhancement in body fat percentage, VO2 max, curl up, modified push up, squat, sit and reach test scores, and also reported an improved quality of life (p<0.05). Inter-group analysis of the outcome measures was not significant (p>0.05).

Conclusion: Tele-rehabilitation is an effective mode of delivering a proactive home based exercise programme to improve fitness and quality of life in perimenopausal women.

Scientifica2022
Published
August 19, 2022