Effects of smartphone mirroring-based telepresence exercise on body composition and physical function in obese older women

AIMS: This study aimed to develop a smartphone mirroring-based telepresence exercise program that can be performed at home while allowing for real-time feedback by instructors. METHODS: For this randomized controlled trial, 29 obese older women aged 66–87 years with ≥ 30% body fat were recruited at a senior citizen center. The intervention group was provided with the smartphone mirroring-based telepresence exercise program, in which participants exercised in their homes for 20–40 min three times a week for 12 weeks. Participants in the control group performed the same exercise program at the senior citizen center. Body composition and functional abilities were measured before and after the program. RESULTS: Women in the intervention group showed a decrease in their body fat percentage (P = 0.026) and an increase in grip strength (P = 0.008). In the control group, women demonstrated a decrease in their weight (P = 0.006) and body fat percentage (P = 0.001) and an increase in skeletal muscle (P = 0.044) and grip strength (P = 0.006). CONCLUSION: Smartphone mirroring-based telepresence exercises at home lower body fat percentage and increase muscle strength similar to traditional group exercises. They present an innovative way for obese older women to improve and maintain their health. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Research Information Service KCT0006147. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40520-021-02033-4.