Physical Performance and Mobility Tests Using Telehealth: A Feasibility Study With Athletes.

ABSTRACT

CONTEXT Physical performance tests (PPTs) and mobility tests have been widely used in sports rehabilitation. However, the feasibility of PPTs and mobility tests via telehealth is unknown. OBJECTIVES: To verify the feasibility of PPTs and mobility tests to assess athletes via telehealth. DESIGN: This is a feasibility study. PARTICIPANTS: Athletes enrolled in a sports team or club for at least 2 years and with previous enrollment in a competitive league were recruited through advertisements on social media. The athletes included in this study (mean age = 25.9 y, from different sports) performed a battery of PPTs and mobility tests for the lower-extremity or upper-extremity and trunk, according to their sport modality. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The feasibility was assessed with recruitment, success, and dropout rates. In addition, athletes' perceptions of easiness, satisfaction, and safety during the lower-extremity or upper-extremity and trunk PPTs and mobility tests were assessed. RESULTS: Seventy-three athletes were included, between January and April 2021 41 were allocated to the lower-extremity and 32 to the upper-extremity and trunk PPTs and mobility test, according to their sports modality. The overall dropout rate was 20.55%; >89% of the athletes agreed that the PPTs and mobility tests via telehealth were easy to perform, >78% were satisfied, and >75% felt safe during the assessments. CONCLUSION: This study indicated that these 2 batteries of performance and mobility tests via telehealth are feasible to assess the lower and upper-extremities, and the trunk of athletes, considering the adherence, athletes' perception of easiness, satisfaction, and safety.