Physiotherapy Intervention on Functional Health in Aging on Functional Capacity, Risk of Falls, Cognitive Function, and Back Pain

<b>Background/Objectives</b>: Aging is associated with a progressive decline in biological function due to a complex interplay of physical, psychological, and social factors. This randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the effects of a functional health education program on functi...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Gustavo Desouzart
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-03-01
Series:Osteology
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2673-4036/5/1/10
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:<b>Background/Objectives</b>: Aging is associated with a progressive decline in biological function due to a complex interplay of physical, psychological, and social factors. This randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the effects of a functional health education program on functional capacity in older adults. <b>Methods:</b> Twenty participants (mean age: 80.70 ± 5.992 years) were randomized to either an experimental group that received a 12-week exercise program or a control group. The exercise program included aerobic, flexibility, strength, and cognitive components. Outcomes were assessed using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, Falls Efficacy Scale (FES), and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain. <b>Results</b>: In the population studied, 80% of the older adults indicated some type of back pain. The experimental group results showed a significant reduction in back pain (<i>p</i> = 0.032) and risk of falling (<i>p</i> = 0.013). Additionally, the experimental group demonstrated significant improvements in functional capacity (<i>p</i> = 0.016) and cognitive capacity (<i>p</i> = 0.023). <b>Conclusions</b>: This study demonstrated that a specific activity significantly improved participants’ perceived risk of falls, functionality, cognitive function, and reduced back pain complaints in the experimental group.
ISSN:2673-4036