Role of physiotherapy in older adults with chronic conditions

Summaries 1 min 19

Font Size

Created On: 08/01/2025

This study examined the effect of physiotherapy interventions on health outcomes and investigated how different session characteristics contribute to health improvements among older individuals.

See All

Key take away

Regular physiotherapy interventions markedly improve pain, mobility, and functional independence in older adults with chronic conditions, with longer and more frequent sessions yielding the best results.

Background

This study examined the effect of physiotherapy interventions on health outcomes and investigated how different session characteristics contribute to health improvements among older individuals.

Method

This cross-sectional study assessed the impact of physiotherapy interventions on health outcomes in 384 older adults suffering from chronic diseases such as arthritis, osteoporosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes, and hypertension. Participants aged 65 and older were recruited from community centers and healthcare facilities via a stratified random sampling method. Data were collected through structured interviews and questionnaires, which encompassed validated scales for pain, mobility, and quality of life.

Physiotherapy interventions were examined based on frequency, duration, and types of treatments received. Data analysis was conducted with the aid of SPSS, with statistical tests including t-tests, ANOVA, and regression analyses to determine relationships between physiotherapy sessions and health outcomes.

Result

Physiotherapy led to remarkable betterments in pain (5.09 to 2.95), mobility (3.0 to 3.96), and functional self-reliance. The frequency of physiotherapy sessions showed a positive correlation with pain reduction (r = 0.26), while longer session durations were more strongly associated with pain reduction (r = 0.38) and improved mobility (r = 0.43). Participants reported high satisfaction, though age was a significant negative predictor of health improvements (Coef. = -0.3402).

Conclusion

Physiotherapy was highly effective in improving the health of the aging population with chronic conditions. More frequent and longer sessions provided the best outcomes, while age may limit some health improvements.