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Effects of a physical therapy program on quality of life among community-dwelling elderly women: randomized-controlled trial

Authors :
Mariana Chaves Aveiro
Patricia Driusso
Julia Gianjoppe dos Santos
Viviane Dassi Kiyoto
Jorge Oishi
Source :
Fisioterapia em Movimento, Vol 26, Iss 3, Pp 503-513
Publisher :
Editora Champagnat.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Health promotion policies for encouraging elderly to remain active, independent and, effectively have a positive effect on their quality of life. OBJECTIVE: To verify the effects of a low-intensity group-based physical therapy program on quality of life among community-dwelling elderly women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It was carried out a randomized controlled trial. Seventeen women (67.8 ± 4.9 years old) that completed 12-week training program and 10 women (68.9 ± 5.7 years old) that were included in control group answered the abbreviated version for World Health Organization Quality of life Questionnaire - WHOQOL-bref at baseline and after 12 weeks. Exercise group performed stretching, resistance and balance training. Intragroup and intergroup analysis was made using Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney U tests, respectively. The level of significance used for all comparisons was 5%. Furthermore, it was determined the Reliable Change Index (RCI) as part of JT Method. RESULTS: Exercise group presented a significant improvement for Psychological domain (p = 0.047) after 12-week physical therapy program. Otherwise, control group presented a significant worsening for overall (p = 0.01), physical (p = 0.01) and psychological (p = 0.008) domains. Exercise group presented two participants with positive reliable change (PRC) for social domain, two participants with PRC for Environment domain. Overall and Physical domain presented three participants with PRC. Psychological domain presented four participants with PRC and one with negative reliable change. CONCLUSION: A low-intensity group-based physical therapy program may contribute in order to maintain quality of life and improve some psychological aspects among community-dwelling elderly women.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
19805918 and 01035150
Volume :
26
Issue :
3
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Fisioterapia em Movimento
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.b84e4b805a304b95a4da4c26f9210834
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1590/S0103-51502013000300004