Introduction

Regular physical activity is considered one of the most impactful lifestyle factors for promoting health and longevity. However, there remains a gap in evidence regarding the effectiveness of online and mobile rehabilitation interventions specifically designed for older adults. This study sought to systematically review and synthesize the literature on digital physical therapy interventions for aged adults, quantifying outcomes including lifestyle indicators (VO₂ max), biometrics, and clinical outcomes such as falls, hospital admissions, and functional index scores.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted using predefined inclusion criteria and keyword combinations (“aged adults,” “mobile therapy,” “rehabilitation,” “non-acute”). Seventeen studies published between 2016 and 2025 were included, the majority of which were randomized controlled trials (RCTs, n = 13). Extracted data included participant demographics, intervention characteristics, outcome measures, and risk of bias. Pooled analyses were performed where outcomes were comparable across studies.

Results

A total of 17 studies (combined N ≈ 3,400 participants, mean study size 212, range 29–1628) were included. Interventions primarily utilized videoconferencing, app-based monitoring, and virtual reality platforms. Online physical therapy was associated with significant improvements in functional mobility scores (e.g., chair stand, Timed Up-and-Go), increased activity levels, and reduced falls compared with usual care. Meta-analysis of mobility outcomes (5 RCTs) demonstrated a moderate pooled effect size favoring intervention (SMD = 0.42, 95% CI 0.25–0.59, p < 0.001). Secondary outcomes showed gains in lean muscle mass and balance indices, while hospital admissions and mortality were less consistently reported. Risk of bias was generally low to moderate, with most trials using randomization and standardized protocols.

Conclusion

Online physical therapy interventions delivered through mobile health applications improve mobility, functional outcomes, and fall risk in older adults. Evidence supports integrating digital rehabilitation as a scalable strategy to enhance aged adult health. Future work should standardize outcome measures and assess long-term biomarkers related to aging.