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The elderly patient with burns: treatment considerations
1Occupational and Physical Therapy Department, Shriners Burns Institute, Cincinnati, OH 45229.
The Journal of Burn Care & Rehabilitation
|September 1, 1993
Summary
Physical therapy for elderly burn patients requires careful assessment and tailored exercises. Appropriate training programs can improve function, balance, and reduce fall risks in older adults.
Area of Science:
- Geriatrics
- Physical Therapy
- Burn Rehabilitation
Background:
- Aging often leads to diminished movement disorders due to poor physical fitness and disuse.
- Reduced physical activity and lack of reinforcement contribute to functional decline in older adults.
- Therapeutic interventions must address age-related physical changes and movement limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight critical questions for therapists treating elderly burn patients.
- To emphasize the importance of tailored physical training for older adults.
- To underscore the benefits of exercise for counterbalancing age-associated declines.
Main Methods:
- The abstract poses key questions for therapists regarding assessment and treatment of elderly burn patients.
- It discusses the physiological basis for functional decline in the elderly.
- It outlines the benefits of physical training and practice for older adults.
Main Results:
- Physical changes in the elderly are often due to disuse and poor fitness, not solely aging.
- Appropriate physical training can counterbalance age-related declines in performance.
- Exercise improves range of motion, strength, balance, endurance, and reduces risks of falls and accidents.
Conclusions:
- Therapists must critically assess elderly burn patients' functional status and tailor interventions.
- Physical training programs are essential for maintaining and improving physical function in older adults.
- Regular exercise and practice enhance motor performance and safety, regardless of age.