PHYSICAL THERAPY TO IMPROVE FUNCTIONING OF OLDER-PEOPLE IN RESIDENTIAL CARE FACILITIES

Background and Purpose. 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 i ndividuals living in residential care facilities. Subjects. Twenty-sev en elderly individuals with impaired balance and difficulty performing at least one functional activity participated in the study. The subje cts ranged in age from 71 to 97 years (($) over bar X = 87.1, SD = 6.7 ). Methods. Balance and gait speed were assessed at baseline and follo wing physical therapy that consisted of exercises to improve specific functional limitations. Outcomes were reassessed I month following com pletion of the physical therapy. Results. Gait and balance outcomes we re analyzed using a one-way repeated-measures analysis of variance. im provement was obtained in balance which wets maintained at I month fol low-up. Gait speed did not improve to a level of statistical significa nce. Conclusion and Discussion. After physical therapy, subjects impro ved in balance and functional performance. An improvement in gait spee d may require a longer duration of treatment.