Effects of Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization Exercises with a Telerehabilitation Approach on Weight Changes and Flexibility in Obese Elderly Women

Abstract

Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the effect of an eight-week telerehabilitation-based Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) exercise program on cardiorespiratory fitness and upper and lower extremity strength in obese older women.

Methods: This research was a quasi-experimental study with a pretest-posttest design including a control group. The statistical population consisted of all overweight and obese older women living in Mashhad, Iran. The research sample included 30 participants aged 60 to 75 years with a body mass index above 25 kg/m², who were selected using convenience sampling and randomly assigned to two groups: experimental (n=15) and control (n=15). The experimental group received a six-week DNS exercise protocol (six sessions per week, including three supervised sessions and three home sessions) via telerehabilitation. Cardiorespiratory fitness was assessed using the 2-Minute Step Test. Upper extremity strength was measured using the 30-Second Arm Curl Test for both left and right arms. Lower extremity strength was assessed using the 30-Second Chair Stand Test. All measurements were conducted at pretest and posttest stages. Analysis of covariance was used for data analysis at a significance level of p < 0.05.

Results: The results showed a significant difference between the experimental and control groups for cardiorespiratory fitness (F(1,29) = 586.88, P = 0.001, η² = 0.95). A significant difference was also observed for lower extremity strength (F(1,29) = 267.0, P = 0.001, η² = 0.90). However, no significant differences were found between the two groups for left upper extremity strength (F(1,29) = 0.350, P = 0.550, η² = 0.002) or right upper extremity strength (F(1,29) = 0.12, P = 0.770, η² = 0.005).

Conclusion: A six-week telerehabilitation-based Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization exercise program is an effective intervention for improving cardiorespiratory fitness and lower extremity strength in obese older women. However, this protocol did not significantly improve upper extremity strength, highlighting the principle of training specificity. Telerehabilitation-based DNS can be considered a safe, accessible, and low-cost strategy for enhancing physical health in this population.