Effects of physiotherapy prescribed exercises among elderly persons in a selected geriatric home in Rwanda: a before-and-after study

Abstract

ackground Prescribed physiotherapy based exercise interventions are substantial in fall prevention, reduced risk of falls and improve quality of life in the elderly. Objective The aim of the study was to determine the effects of physiotherapy-prescribed exercises among elderly adults on coordination and balance performance and quality of life. Methods A before and after study design was used at Soeurs Saint Vincent de Paul (SSVP) geriatric home in Kigali Rwanda that hosts 45 people, where a sample of 40 elderly persons was followed up for 4 weeks. A physiotherapy-based exercise adapted from Johns Hopkins Hospital's Fall prevention programme was adopted. We measured balance and physical performance using Berg Balance Scale assssment, Timed Up and Go tests respectively as well as and quality of life domains using WHO quality of life questionnaire. Results The findings indicate that physiotherapy-based exercises had excellent outcomes related to performance, quality of life and reduced risk of falls where TUG performance dropped from 18 seconds to 11 seconds. The Pre-test scores of BBS were 28 ± 8 and after intervention BBS scores changed significantly to 43 ± 6. The quality of life after intervention was improved significantly in all domains where the physical domain improved from 41% to 53%. Conclusion The study results show that exercises that improve coordination and balance have the potential to remarkably reduce the risk of falls among elderly persons.