Rhys Laugharne - 25th September 2024
Improved Balance and Fall Prevention
Study on Fall Prevention: Research shows that exercise interventions, including physiotherapy, can reduce fall rates among older adults by 23% to 31% . Balance and strength training, in particular, are critical in preventing falls.
NHS Falls Prevention Guidance: The NHS advises older adults to engage in strength and balance exercises as part of their strategy to prevent falls. Physiotherapy-led interventions have been shown to decrease fall risk by improving muscle strength and coordination.
Increased Mobility and Flexibility
Evidence from a Study on Aging and Mobility: A study published in 'The Journals of Gerontology ' found that physiotherapy interventions, specifically focused on mobility exercises, resulted in significant improvements in walking ability and flexibility in older adults.
Arthritis Foundation: The Arthritis Foundation highlights that physiotherapy is effective in maintaining or improving joint flexibility, which can help manage conditions like osteoarthritis that often restrict mobility in older adults.
Strengthening Muscles for Better Stability
Physical Activity Guidelines: The UK Chief Medical Officers recommend that older adults engage in activities to strengthen muscles twice a week to improve stability and prevent falls. Physiotherapy plays a critical role in addressing muscle weakness, which is a leading cause of instability and falls.
Research on Resistance Training: Studies show that resistance training, which is a key component of physiotherapy, helps older adults increase muscle mass and strength, improving balance and reducing the likelihood of falls.
Enhancing Cardiovascular Health
Exercise and Cardiovascular Health: Regular physical activity, including light cardiovascular exercises like walking, has been shown to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease by 20% to 35% in older adults. Physiotherapy programs often incorporate these exercises to improve heart health and overall fitness.
NERS Scheme Benefits: Programs like the National Exercise Referral Scheme (NERS) have been documented to improve physical health outcomes for older adults, particularly for those with chronic health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.
5. Referral into NERS (National Exercise Referral Scheme)
NERS Impact Study: A study evaluating the NERS program found that participants experienced improvements in physical activity levels, mental health, and well-being. The program is designed to support older adults and individuals with chronic conditions in maintaining a regular exercise regimen.
Public Health Wales Report: NERS has been shown to help reduce the long-term need for healthcare services by improving physical function and promoting healthy aging, making it an excellent continuation of physiotherapy.
Conclusion: Physiotherapy as a Path to Healthier Aging
Physiotherapy offers a wide range of benefits for older adults, from preventing falls and improving balance to boosting mobility, flexibility, and cardiovascular health. Whether you or a loved one is looking to recover from an injury, prevent a fall, or simply improve overall fitness, physiotherapy can make a significant difference in maintaining independence and quality of life.
At Rebuild Physiotherapy Ltd, we’re committed to helping older adults achieve their health goals with personalised care plans designed to meet each individual’s needs. If you’re interested in learning more about how physiotherapy can benefit you or someone you care for, get in touch with us today.
References:
Study on Fall Prevention: Sherrington, C., et al. (2019). "Exercise to prevent falls in older adults: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis." British Journal of Sports Medicine, 53(13), 905-911. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2018-099515
NHS Falls Prevention Guidance: National Health Service. (2021). "Preventing falls in older people." NHS UK. Retrieved from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/falls/prevention/
Study on Aging and Mobility: Gill, T.M., et al. (2002). "The effect of interventions on reducing disability and improving mobility in older adults." The Journals of Gerontology, 57(1), M209-M214. https://doi.org/10.1093/gerona/57.1.M209
Arthritis Foundation on Flexibility: Arthritis Foundation. (2020). "Physical therapy for arthritis." Arthritis Foundation. Retrieved from: https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/treatment/physical-therapy
UK Physical Activity Guidelines: UK Chief Medical Officers' Physical Activity Guidelines. (2019). "Physical activity guidelines for older adults." GOV.UK. Retrieved from: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/physical-activity-guidelines-uk-chief-medical-officers-report
Resistance Training for Older Adults: Fiatarone Singh, M.A., et al. (2000). "Exercise and strength training in older adults." The Journals of Gerontology, 55(1), M692-M697. https://doi.org/10.1093/gerona/55.1.M692
Exercise and Cardiovascular Health: Powell, K.E., et al. (2011). "Physical activity and the incidence of coronary heart disease in older adults." American Journal of Public Health, 101(1), 1946-1955. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2011.300213
NERS Impact Study: Murphy, S.M., et al. (2012). "An evaluation of the effectiveness of the National Exercise Referral Scheme in Wales." Journal of Public Health, 34(2), 176-183. https://doi.org/10.1093/pubmed/fdr102
Public Health Wales on NERS: Public Health Wales. (2018). "National Exercise Referral Scheme (NERS)." Retrieved from: https://phw.nhs.wales/services-and-teams/national-exercise-referral-scheme-ners/
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