Dubai Medical Journal

Published date: Sep 30 2025

Journal Title: Dubai Medical Journal

Issue title: Dubai Medical Journal (DMJ): Volume 8, Issue 3

Pages: 326 - 338

DOI: 10.18502/dmj.v8i3.19857

Hani Albalawihf_albalawi@ut.edu.saDepartment of Health Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Tabuk, Tabuk

Deema BedaiwiDepartment of Health Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Tabuk, Tabuk

Arub AlsenaniDepartment of Health Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Tabuk, Tabuk

Rima AlamraniDepartment of Health Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Tabuk, Tabuk

Shaimaa AloufiDepartment of Health Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Tabuk, Tabuk

Nada AlatawiDepartment of Health Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Tabuk, Tabuk

Introduction: The Timed Up and Go (TUG) test is a widely accepted tool for evaluating physical function in older adults. TUG is traditionally conducted in clinical settings through in-person appointments. However, barriers such as living in rural areas or facing limited healthcare access have driven the exploration of tele-assessments. This study aims to assess the agreement between asynchronous tele-assessments and in-person assessments of the TUG test for adults aged 50 and older in a Saudi community.

Methods: A cross-over comparative study involving 33 participants aged 50 years and older was conducted. Each participant underwent both asynchronous tele-assessment and in-person assessment of the TUG test on the same day. The agreement between the two methods was evaluated using a paired t-test, Bland-Altman analysis, and Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICC). The ICC was calculated using a two-way random-effects model (ICC(2,1)).

Results: The mean scores obtained using the two methods were comparable with statistically insignificant differences, with excellent agreement indicated by an ICC(2,1) of 0.988 (95% CI: 0.976–0.994). Bland-Altman plots further confirmed that the differences were within clinically acceptable limits.

Conclusion: Asynchronous tele-assessment can be a viable alternative, particularly for older adults in remote areas or those with limited access to healthcare facilities.

Keywords: tele-rehabilitation, rehabilitation, fall, functional performance, mobility

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