Multidisciplinary Home-Based Rehabilitation Program for Individuals With Disabilities: Longitudinal Observational...

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Neurology
• Gerontology

Background:

• Home-based rehabilitation offers a convenient and context-specific alternative to traditional therapy for individuals with disabilities.
• Innovative approaches are crucial to improve access to rehabilitation services for a growing global population affected by disability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a multidisciplinary home-based rehabilitation program on motor function and mood in individuals with moderate neuromusculoskeletal disabilities.
• To assess the effectiveness of personalized therapy plans delivered in a home setting.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 270 participants (median age 66) from Chile's National Disability Registry received a 4-month multidisciplinary home-based rehabilitation program.
• The program included physical therapy, occupational therapy, nutrition, psychology, nursing, and podiatry, with initial and final medical evaluations.
• Motor function and depression were assessed using the Berg Balance Scale and Beck Depression Inventory, respectively.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements (P<.001) in motor function and balance were observed, leading to a reduced risk of falls.
• The Berg Balance Scale scores improved by approximately 15% across all participants.
• No significant changes in depression levels were detected (P=.27), with Beck Depression Inventory scores indicating persistent mild depression.

Conclusions:

• Personalized home-based rehabilitation programs effectively enhance motor function and balance, especially for individuals with neurological conditions.
• Further research is needed to integrate and optimize psychological support within home-based programs to improve overall patient well-being and address mood-related outcomes.