Effects of a physiotherapy program in older adults: A pragmatic study on pain, agility, and falls
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62827/fb.v27i4.1178Keywords:
Physical Therapy Modalities; Aged; Functional Status; Accidental Falls; Exercise.Abstract
Introduction: Population aging is a growing phenomenon and represents a challenge for maintaining functionality and preventing falls among older adults. Physiotherapy may play an important role in promoting active and healthy aging. Objective: To evaluate the effects of a physiotherapy program on agility time, fall risk, and pain perception in older adults treated at a teaching clinic. Methods: This was an observational, quantitative-qualitative study conducted in the city of Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil, with a sample of seven older adults. The Timed Up and Go test (TUG) was used to assess fall risk, the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) was applied to measure pain before and after the physiotherapy program, and Body Mass Index (BMI) was used to determine the nutritional status profile. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the paired t-test. Results: A significant reduction in pain was observed (initial NPRS: 3.74 ± 2.04; final: 1.91 ± 1.49; p < 0.001), as well as improvement in functional performance (initial TUG: 10.43 s; final: 7.37 s; p < 0.001), with a transition from moderate to low fall risk classification. Conclusion: There appears to be an association between physiotherapy and improvements in TUG performance time, as well as a reduction in pain levels measured by the NPRS.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Fanny Aparecida Condé Teixeira da Trindade, Joyce Cristine dos Santos Carneiro Cruz, Fabíola Andrade Galvão, Bruno Perez Felix (Autor)
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