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Published on: July 5, 2017
Effects of comprehensive geriatric intervention on physical performance among people aged 75 years and over
Katri Lihavainen1, Sarianna Sipilä, Taina Rantanen
1Gerontology Research Centre, Department of Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland. katri.lihavainen@gmail.com
Background And Aims:
We studied the effects of comprehensive geriatric assessment and multifactorial intervention on physical performance among older people.
Methods:
In a 3-year geriatric development project with an experimental design, 668 participants aged 75-98 were assigned to intervention (n=348) or control (n=320) groups. The intervention group received comprehensive geriatric assessment with an individually targeted intervention for 2 years. The outcome measures - performance in the Timed Up-and-Go (TUG), 10-meter walking and Berg Balance Scale tests - were gathered annually during the intervention and the 1-year follow-up after it.
Results:
With linear mixed models, over the 2-year intervention period, the intervention group was found to be improved in the balance (p<0.001) and walking speed (p<0.001) tests, and maintained performance in the TUG test (p<0.001), compared with the control group. The results remained significant 1 year post-intervention.
Conclusions:
Comprehensive geriatric assessment and individually targeted multifactorial intervention had positive effects on physical performance, potentially helping to maintain mobility and prevent disability in old age.
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