Cerika Rismayanthi, Enggista Hendriko Delano, Sabda Hussain As Shafi, Wahyu Aji Nugroho
Cerika Rismayanthi, Enggista Hendriko Delano, Sabda Hussain As Shafi, Wahyu Aji Nugroho – The effect of self-exercise therapy and relaxation on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in the elderly – Fizjoterapia Polska 2025; 25(3); 370-375
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZG7D19UN6Z
Abstract
Limitations in physical activity reduce independence and often lead elderly individuals to spend more time at home, which can increase anxiety and stress, ultimately lowering quality of life. Self-exercise therapy and relaxation are alternative forms of exercise that can be performed independently, economically, and easily by the elderly to help prevent a sedentary lifestyle. Therefore, research on the impact of self-exercise and relaxation on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in older adults is important. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of self-exercise and relaxation on HRQoL in the elderly, focusing on four indicators: physical health, mental health, social relations, and environment. The study used a quasi-experimental design with pre- and post-tests to assess changes before and after the intervention. The intervention was conducted once a week for two months. The sample included 45 men and women aged 60 years or older. The WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire, which is valid and reliable (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.91, α < 0.01), was used to measure physical health, mental health, social relationships, and environment. The results demonstrated significant improvements in all measured indicators: physical health (p = 0.006), mental health (p = 0.043), social relations (p = 0.019), and environment (p = 0.002). In conclusion, self-exercise and relaxation therapy performed once a week for two months significantly improved the quality of life of elderly participants across all key indicators. This program can be implemented by physiotherapists in elderly homes or care centers, supports rehabilitation in individuals with mobility disorders, reduces pain, increases balance, and may help prevent falls.
Key words
self-exercise therapy, relaxation, health-related quality of life, elderly