Effectiveness of a physiotherapeutic protocol for equilibrium with institutionalized elderly people

Abstract

Equilibrium consists of keeping the gravity center within a support basis which provides more stability in the body segments during static and dynamic situations. The maintenance of body equilibrium in space is a complex phenomenon that depends on several structures, such as: motor system, proprioceptive sensitivity, vestibular system, visual system, cerebellum, among others. The fall is one of the main consequences of lack of equilibrium in the elderly. It is known that the physical therapy and the physical activity are important tools to prevent and/or reduce these deficits. The objective of this work was to verify the effectiveness of a physiotherapeutic program for institutionalized elderly people. Materials and methods: This is a prospective study of cohort, with seven institutionalized elderly people. The elderly who walked without orthosis, were obedient and understood verbal commands, were included. An initial evaluation of the respiratory, neurological and orthopedic systems was used, together with Tinetti’s Equilibrium and Mobility Scale. The treatment protocol consisted of 16 therapies. In each session, the warm up, stretching, strengthening, equilibrium training, walk training and relaxation were performed twice a week, with a 50-minute length each, for two months. The data were statistically evaluated through Wilcoxon test with a significance of p=0.03. Results showed an improvement in the equilibrium of the studied group. It will be suggested that the protocol used be implemented in the institution where it was conducted, what could reduce the risks inherent in the equilibrium deficit in the elderly.