title: Effects of inpatient physical therapy on the functional status of elderly individuals.
abstract: Purpose] The aim of the study was to analyze the impact of inpatient rehabilitation on the functional status of the elderly. [Subjects and Methods] A total of 100 patients (>65 years of age) in a rehabilitation ward were enrolled in this study. Age, absence of depression and signs of dementia in screening tests constituted the inclusion criteria. A comprehensive geriatric assessment was performed of all of the subjects twice, at the beginning and end of hospitalization (Assessments I and II, respectively), and included fall risk assessment (Timed Up and Go Test, TUG), evaluation of physical function (Short Physical Performance Battery Test, SPPB), the handgrip strength test, as well as patients' self-reports of pain intensity, well-being and functional status. [Results] At the end of inpatient rehabilitation, significant improvement was observed in reduction the TUG time, physical function, and handgrip strength, as well as in subjective parameters such as self-reported pain intensity, well-being, and functional status. [Conclusion] Our results show the high efficacy of inpatient rehabilitation as a means of improving functional independence. Hospital rehabilitation should be recommended for elderly people, not only in cases of absolute indications for hospital admission, but also periodically for patients at risk of physical disability.
authors.affiliation: Department of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Karol Marcinkowski University of Medical Sciences, Poland.
authors.forename: Ewa
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Zasadzka
authors.affiliation: Department of Palliative Medicine, Karol Marcinkowski University of Medical Sciences, Poland.
authors.forename: Sylwia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kropińska
authors.affiliation: Department of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Karol Marcinkowski University of Medical Sciences, Poland.
authors.forename: Mariola
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pawlaczyk
authors.affiliation: Department of Palliative Medicine, Karol Marcinkowski University of Medical Sciences, Poland.
authors.forename: Roma
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Krzymińska-Siemaszko
authors.affiliation: Department and Clinic for Physiotherapy, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Karol Marcinkowski University of Medical Sciences, Poland.
authors.forename: Przemysław
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Lisiński
authors.affiliation: Department of Palliative Medicine, Karol Marcinkowski University of Medical Sciences, Poland.
authors.forename: Katarzyna
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Wieczorowska-Tobis
keywords: Elderly; Functional status; Physical therapy program