Journal of Yoga & Physical Therapy
Open Access

Abstract

Targeted Multiple Physical therapy Interventions to Improve Functional Capacity for Elderly Residing at Old Age Home

Senthilkumar Thiyagarajan

Population ageing remains a global phenomenon in this new millennium and is poised to become a major issue in developing countries. Malaysia, an upper middle income country, with a population of 28 million is no exception. Life expectancy among Malaysian has also risen to 71.7 years for men and 76.5 years for women in 2007. By the end of 2009 63.8% of the total population will be aged between 15 and 64, mean while those above 64 will increase to 4.7%. Increased longevity is not only a triumph for a society but a huge challenge for health systems. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of targeted multiple physical therapy interventions to enhance functional capacity of elderly people livelihood in residential care facilities. The total number of 21elderly individuals ranged from 65 to 97 years (mean age 79 years, 12 men and 9 women) selected by purposive random sampling method at three old age homes in Malaysia. The participants selected with impaired functional performance with various disabilities in orthopaedic, neurological, cardio respiratory and other conditions due to aging, which of them physiotherapy was indicated. The various structured physiotherapy interventions like pain relief, specific muscle strengthening, aerobic exercise, pacing, stretching, group therapy, CPT, gait training were applied for every day continuously 2 months of duration. The outcomes were assessed by the use of (BI) and (MRMI). Results: A non parametric Wilcoxon Singed Rank test used to analyse the data from collected samples. Study results shows continuous home based physiotherapy intervention was effective to improve functional capacity of the elder people living in residential care facilities.