The Functional Impact of a Program of Health Promotion in Physical Therapy on the Functional Capacity of Elderly Women in Institutions

Abstract As the world elderly population increases, several areas of knowledge are concerned with the identification of conditions that allow aging with more quality. The elderly institution becomes a relevant topic as, when relating aging to health care, one can observe an increased demand for those long-term stay institutions. The preservation and maintenance of the functional capacity are priorities in the health of the aged. Objectives this study analyzes the effects of a health promotion Physiotherapy Program on the functional capacity, and identifies socio-demographic and clinical variables concerning functional performance of elderly institutionalized women. Methods it is a descriptive, interventionist and comparative study employing quantitative and qualitative approaches. Research was carried out using the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) and interviews were applied to a focus group. Forty-two elderly women participated,. Results the experimental group presented significant improvement (60%), in the performance of main everyday activities with a positive and meaningful correlation (r=0.6222), in the following variables: age, associated pathologies, and impairment in functional activities. Conclusion the Physiotherapy Program was effective and provided significant improvement on the performance of the everyday activities of elderly instutionalized women.