Physical therapy to improve functioning of older people in residential care facilities.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of an individualized physical therapy mobility training program on the gait, balance, and functional performance of elderly individuals living in residential care facilities.


METHODS
Twenty-seven elderly individuals with impaired balance and difficulty performing at least one functional activity participated in the study. The subjects ranged in age from 71 to 97 years (mean = 87.1, SD = 6.7).


METHODS
Balance and gait speed were assessed at baseline and following physical therapy that consisted of exercises to improve specific functional limitations. Outcomes were reassessed 1 month following completion of the physical therapy.


RESULTS
Gait and balance outcomes were analyzed using a one-way repeated-measures analysis of variance. Improvement was obtained in balance, which was maintained at 1 month follow-up. Gait speed did not improve to a level of statistical significance.


CONCLUSIONS
After physical therapy, subjects improved in balance and functional performance. An improvement in gait speed may require a longer duration of treatment.
Harada
N
N
Health Services Research Associate, Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Veterans Administration Medical Center-West Los Angeles, USA.
Chiu
V
V
Fowler
E
E
Lee
M
M
Reuben
D B
DB
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D016330:Frail Elderly; D005684:Gait / Q000502:physiology*; D006707:Homes for the Aged; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities / Q000379:methods*; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*