Tag: geriatrics

Evaluation of the rehabilitation of geriatric patients using the WaDiT system

Mirosław Janiszewski, Anna Kluszczyńska

Mirosław Janiszewski, Anna Kluszczyńska – Evaluation of the rehabilitation of geriatric patients using the WaDiT system. Fizjoterapia Polska 2001; 1(2); 127-130

Abstract
Background. This article evaluates the rehabilitation of geriatric patients using a program of kinesitherapy in conjunction with the application of high-tone wave therapy according to the WaDiT system, using exclusively variable electromagnetic fields (medium frequency current in the tone range from ca. 4,000 Hz to ca. 12,000 Hz). Material and methods. The study involved 62 patients, aged 60-85, in the second and third degree of disability on the geriatric scale according to the WHO definition. All patients had a 16-week program of kinesitherapy. 31 patients also received WaDiT therapy for a 10-week period. Results. The study confirmed improvements in physical fitness, coordination of movement and balance, and subjective health status among the patients in both groups. The patients in the group to whom WaDiT therapy was achieved significantly better results. Conclusion. The rehabilitation program here described can help in delaying the onset of involutionary processes, allowing the patient to preserve functional independence, cognitive functions, and social activity on an optimal, individual level.

Key words:
Geriatrics, WaDiT system, kinesitherapy

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Assessing the risk of accidental falls in the elderly: an analysis of a medium-sized population

Marek Żak, Tomasz Grodzicki

Marek Żak, Tomasz Grodzicki – Assessing the risk of accidental falls in the elderly: an analysis of a medium-sized population. Fizjoterapia Polska 2004; 4(4); 391-395

Abstract

Background. The incidence of falls among the elderly has not yet been the subject of a major, in-depth study. This significant social issue is still greatly underrated by clinicians and physiotherapists. As accidental falls are widely recognized to carry potentially grave consequences for frail elderly victims, the present study aimed to assess in some detail the attendant circumstances and identify the key risk factors, with a view to contributing to the establishment of a nationwide plan for multi-tiered, preventive action. Materials and methods. The study group was comprised of 178 female patients, 66-91 years of age, recruited from the Geriatric Department of the Municipal Medical and Nursing Facility in Cracow, treated for hypertension in the period 1999-2001. Each was reported to have sustained at least one fall within 3 months prior to hospitalization. We examined the patients’ nursing and medical records, as well as individual risk assessment profiles, in search of patterns. Comprehensive information was obtained on the attendant circumstances, i. e. specific location, timing, and prevailing circumstances. Results. The majority of accidental falls (68%) occurred within the patient’s own room, toilet, or hallway. The patients proved to be most at risk when attempting to change posture. As many as 46% of the falls occurred between 6 and 10 AM, which may have been due to environmental factors combined with individually impaired mobility.Conclusions. Paradoxically, the highest risk of fall was correlated with performing ostensibly simple tasks of daily living, particularly during night and early morning hours.

Key words:
Geriatrics, Hypertension, Activities of Daily Living
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Restrictions, impediments and requirements in physiotherapy of the elderly

Krzysztof Gieremek, Janusz Nowotny, Tadeusz Szymon Gaździk, Wojciech Cieśla

Krzysztof Gieremek, Janusz Nowotny, Tadeusz Szymon Gaździk, Wojciech Cieśla – Restrictions, impediments and requirements in physiotherapy of the elderly. Fizjoterapia Polska 2007; 7(2), 198-205

Abstract

Aging is an inevitable and dynamic process that leads to a number of adverse changes in both the locomotor system and internal organs as well as the weakening of the body’s regenerative and compensatory abilities. The full recovery of mobility following an illness or dysfunction is difficult and sometimes impossible, affecting the quality of life of the elderly patient. Concomitant psychological problems related to the elderly patient’s attitude to their illness and their expectations about those around them require a modified approach to many aspects of rehabilitation, including physiotherapy, of the elderly. This article describes the tasks that should be addressed in preventative physiotherapy and treatment modalities used in socalled main therapy and secondary prevention of geriatric patients. Emphasis is placed on the principles of planning customised active exercise sessions with particular regard to functional status assessment in individual patients. Besides examples of forms of physical activity and exercise devices for geriatric patients, the article provides comments and descriptions of the most common problems related to selected physiotherapy procedures for the elderly.

Key words:

geriatrics, determinants of physiotherapy, physiotherapy of elderly, kinesitherapy

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Physiotherapy management in geriatrics

Tomasz Pasek, Marcin Kempiński, Jarosław Pasek, Romualda Mucha, Aleksander Sieroń

Tomasz Pasek, Marcin Kempiński, Jarosław Pasek, Romualda Mucha, Aleksander Sieroń – Physiotherapy management in geriatrics. Fizjoterapia Polska 2007; 7(4); 455-464

Abstract
The important role of the physiotherapy in the treatment of elderly patients was recognized in the second part of the 21st century. Physiotherapy facilitates adaptation to the problems of the old age. Physiotherapeutic management includes the development of motor programmes which help elderly people to function normally and independently. Aging is a natural part of human life. Man’s role is to make it as comfortable as possible. Geriatric rehabilitation is concerned with treating elderly patients and keeping them fit, helping them to avoid some of the symptoms of chronic old age ailments. Nowadays age 65 is regarded as the beginning of old age. Some of the most characteristic features of this part of life are: difficulties in maintaining homoeostasis in the presence of stress stimuli, lower capability to carry out activities of daily living and reduced physical activity. In fact, elderly people are increasingly dependent on the help of others. Therefore there is a great need for preventative rehabilitation, whose purpose is to prepare for a physiological and healthy old age. This article describes problems connected with rehabilitation of the elderly. Currently employed physiotherapeutic and kinesitherapeutic methods are described together with state-of-the-art treatment options in physical therapy. The latter include magnetic field stimulation, which is remarkably useful in the treatment of depression, injuries and other musculoskeletal conditions and magneto-LED-therapy, a novel combination of fluctuating magnetic field and visible light irradiation possessing anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and analgesic effects.
Key words:
geriatrics, physical medicine, elderly, rehabilitation
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Physical therapy in diseases of old age – from the perspective of holistic geriatric assessment of therapy

Alicja Rutkiewicz

A. Rutkiewicz – Physical therapy in diseases of old age – from the perspective of holistic geriatric assessment of therapy. Fizjoterapia Polska 2020; 20(2); 148-154

Abstract
Elderly people constitute the largest group of beneficiaries of physical therapy. It results from the higher incidence of chronic diseases in this age group, as well as the decline in functional performance, and thus increasing dependence on other people. Therefore, geriatric rehabilitation to a large extent bears the hallmarks of disability prevention. The problem of an elderly patient is usually very complex. This results from multiple morbidity, lower rehabilitation potential, lack of motivation, social and financial problems, etc. As a result, in the case of an elderly person, recovery of fitness similar to levels observed before illness is often not possible. Great emphasis in the management of an elderly patient should be placed on the prevention of hypokinesia and its effects. Due to the consequences of immobilization, patients should avoid staying in bed, and if this is not possible, try to reduce this time, quickly mobilize and verticalize themselves. The effects of immobilization may in many cases be more serious than the underlying disease. The purpose of this article is therefore to show the point of view of physical therapy in geriatrics.

Key words:
physical therapy, geriatrics, geriatric physical therapy, comprehensive geriatric assessment, aging

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Possibilities and limitations in the functional, emotional and intellectual sphere and sociodemographic features of the residents of the Social Welfare Home (SWH)

Magdalena Gębska, Kamila Startek, Katarzyna Weber-Nowakowska, Ewelina Żyżniewska-Banaszak, Łukasz Kołodziej

M. Gębska, K. Startek, K. Weber-Nowakowska, E. Żyżniewska-Banaszak, Ł. Kołodziej – Possibilities and limitations in the functional, emotional and intellectual sphere and sociodemographic features of the residents of the Social Welfare Home (SWH). Fizjoterapia Polska 2019; 19(4); 110-118

Abstract
The correct assessment of functioning and determination of the health needs of the senior using standardized scales and questionnaires is necessary to determine his ability to live independently and to determine the extent of therapeutic intervention and necessary care.
Objective
Assessment of the relationship between physical, emotional and intellectual fitness, and sociodemographic features of residents of the Social Welfare Home (SWH).
Material and methods. 80 people aged 70 to 90 years were examined. The study consisted of three parts: proprietary survey, anthropometric parameters assessment, assessment of functional, intellectual and emotional state of SWH residents.
Results. The obtained variables showed the relationships, i.e. education and physical fitness; gender and physical fitness; gender and tendency to depression; physical activity and functional fitness; physical activity and depression; social and motor activity and depression. In the second group, statistical analysis showed no relationship between age and depression, and education and depression.
Conclusions
1. An increased body mass index has a negative impact on the functional state of the SWH residents.
2. Regular physical activity, positively affects the functional, emotional and intellectual state of SWH residents.
3. Gender and level of education has a significant impact on the functional, emotional and intellectual performance of SWH charges.
4. Physical and social activity of SWH residents has an impact on the reduction of depression symptoms.

Key words:
elderly, geriatrics, physiotherapy, SWH, physical fitness

 

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Assessment of potential risk factors for falls in osteoporotic elderly versus individual mobility considerations

Marek Żak, Szymon Krupnik, Wojciech Kiebzak, Agnieszka Stopa, Joanna Czesak

M. Żak, S. Krupnik, W. Kiebzak, A. Stopa, J. Czesak – Assessment of potential risk factors for falls in osteoporotic elderly versus individual mobility considerations. FP 2014; 14(1); 36-40

Abstract

Background. Incidental falls are anxiously perceived by an increasing number of elderly persons as a clear symptom of ageing, potentially leading to permanent care-dependency.
Methods. The study population comprised 72 patients recruited from respective university clinic geriatric wards (aged 81- 95). A Timed UP & GO test (TUG) was applied (in line with Tinetti POMA protocol), to assess an individual risk of fall. Group I comprised the patients (48 women; x=84 years) who scored 14 seconds or more; Group II – the patients who scored 13.5 seconds or less (24 women; x=82 years).
Results.  When completing Tinetti (POMA) test, Group I women (TUG test scores of 14 seconds and more) ultimately scored below 19 points, i.e. their risk of fall was assessed as 5-fold greater than in their Group II peers (TUG test scores of 13.5 seconds and less).
Consequently, statistical significance of the correlation coefficients between the TUG and Tinetti (POMA) test scores was established as p < 0.05. In Group I (TUG > 14 s) this correlation coefficient was negative and equaled r = -0.74, whereas in Group II (TUG < 13.5 s) it was (r = -0.62).
Conclusions. The TUG test makes up an effective diagnostic instrument for assessing a potential risk of fall (i.e. identify potential fallers) and may therefore be applied as an effective screening test for this group of patients. Community dwellers of higher functional capabilities, despite the risks related to osteoporosis, are far less likely to sustain an accidental fall.

Key words:
geriatrics, falls, osteoporosis, functional capabilities, Timed UP & GO test

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