Physiotherapy and general health of older adults with musculoskeletal limb dysfunction

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effectiveness of physiotherapy in improving the general health of older individuals with musculoskeletal dysfunction. METHOD An observational study was conducted to compare the outcome of older adults with upper and lower limb dysfunction who underwent physiotherapy and those who did not. The study was conducted in the outpatient department of a general hospital in Athens. The participants were randomly recruited from outpatient services and asked to complete the SF-36 questionnaire. Of 300 questionnaires distributed to older adults (60-85 years), 201 were completed (90 males, 111 females). Group A included 99 participants who had undergone physiotherapy, and group B (the control group) 102 who had not received physiotherapy. RESULTS Physiotherapy for musculoskeletal dysfunction had a significant positive effect on individuals with upper limb dysfunction (p<0.0005) and those who used medication (p=0.001). Individuals of a higher educational level and those with lower limb problems appeared more likely to seek physiotherapy (p=0.015) in order to maintain social engagement. The mental health in group A was better than in group B (p=0.055), mostly in participants with upper limb problems (p=0.012). General health and sex were marginally correlated with physiotherapy (p=0.07). The individuals with the higher education levels in group A had a significantly lower health index than those in group B (p=0.029). CONCLUSIONS Physiotherapy for musculoskeletal dysfunction has a positive effect on the general health of older adults, which is also correlated with upper limb function, sex, educational level, medication consumption and participation. Other factors, such as educational level and mental health, can affect the therapeutic results, and should be taken into account when evaluating patient outcome. It can be concluded that physiotherapy can improve the general health of older adults independently of medication use, and it is important as therapy for musculoskeletal dysfunction in this age group.