Five years after the initial COVID-19 lockdowns, the landscape of senior rehabilitation has noticeably shifted. While Telerehabilitation (Telerehab) was crucial during social isolation, its uptake has declined as seniors have returned to institutional and centre-based care.

This post-pandemic trend presents a significant challenge, especially for **Singapore's rapidly aging population**, where deconditioning from chronic disease is highly prevalent. Current clinical guidelines stress that seniors need a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week to maintain function and independence. New models of care are urgently required to overcome adherence barriers and help seniors meet this target.

NTUC Health is championing the integration of technology to enhance service delivery. Recognizing Telerehab's potential for more efficient and broader service, we executed a robust pilot recruitment drive. From April to September 2025, 47 clients participated in our three-month programme, receiving 20 to 30 sessions each. These sessions utilized a blended model, combining in-centre one-on-one sessions, group classes, and Telerehab.

Preliminary analysis shows that these 47 clients experienced gains in MBI and EQ5D compared to those receiving only conventional weekly centre-based therapy.

In summary, this hybrid Telerehab programme successfully blended in-person clinical expertise with remote support to maximize convenience, adherence, and functional outcomes. It demonstrates a scalable model to combat population-level deconditioning and re-validate the essential role of technology in modern geriatric rehabilitation.

Authors:
Sylvia Liew, NTUC Health Co-Operative Limited, Singapore
Cyprian Chia, NTUC Health Co-Operative Limited, Singapore
Ruel Esteron Magbago, NTUC Health Co-Operative Limited, Singapore
Jenalynne Montemayor, NTUC Health Co-operative Limited, Singapore

About the Presenter(s)
As Clinical Lead for Day Rehabilitation Centre at NTUC Health. Ms Sylvia Liew combats deconditioning in seniors with an innovative blended rehabilitation model, empowering them to meet physical activity goals.

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sylvia-liew-038520133/

See this presentation on the full schedule – Tuesday Schedule

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