Effect of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Program on Physical Activity Level in the Elderly Inpatient

Effect of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Program on Physical Activity Level in the Elderly Inpatient

In inpatient older adults, decrement in their mobility and loss in their physical activity are seen in time line between their hospitalization and discharge. The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of physiotherapy and rehabilitation program on physical activity, functional skills and quality of life in elderly inpatient. A total of 124 patients who were randomized as study and control group followed by Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Geriatric Medicine were included to the study. Thirty minutes physiotherapy and rehabilitation program was applied to the patients in the study group according to their functional levels. Geriatric patients in the control group did exercises by themselves. Demographic data, cognitive functions, muscle strength, presence of comorbidity, functional mobility, physical activity, daily living activities, fear of fall, quality of life and depression status were assessed of all cases. Activities of daily living and depression status was questioned again three months later. This study evaluated the efficacy and cost effectiveness of increasing physical activity in older people during inpatient rehabilitation. These results could assist in the development of evidenced-based rehabilitation programs for this population.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Aged 65 years or older
• Mini Mental State Examination score greater than 24;
• Stayed in the hospital at least 48 hours.

Exclusion Criteria :

• Angiina pectoris, acute myocarditis, myocardial infarction story in the last 3 months,
• Pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis within the last 3 months,
• Active infection,
• Malignancy and terminal disease status,
• Fracture story in the lower and upper extremities in the last three months
• Severe hearing and visual loss.