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Geriatric Activation Program Pellenberg, a novel physiotherapy program for hospitalized patients on a geriatric rehabilitation ward
Author(s) -
Dijk Margaretha,
Allegaert Patsy,
Locus Marlies,
Deschodt Mieke,
Verheyden Geert,
Tournoy Jos,
Flamaing Johan
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
physiotherapy research international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.509
H-Index - 49
eISSN - 1471-2865
pISSN - 1358-2267
DOI - 10.1002/pri.1905
Subject(s) - physical therapy , rehabilitation , medicine , geriatric rehabilitation , functional training , berg balance scale , activities of daily living , toileting , physical medicine and rehabilitation , psychological intervention , functional independence measure , staffing , core (optical fiber) , nursing , materials science , composite material
Background and Purpose Regaining functional independence and independent living is challenging in hospitalized geriatric patients. Different from community dwelling and institutionalized older people, geriatric patients on rehabilitation wards generally receive more frequent and structured physiotherapy with the primary aim to discharge them to their home or place of residence. There is a paucity of evidence concerning the structure and components of physiotherapy programs to improve functional performance in this particular group. In this paper, we describe how we developed the Geriatric Activation Program Pellenberg (GAPP) based on patients' needs and available literature. Methods We searched the literature on physiotherapy interventions focusing on the core components for improvement of functional performance: strength, balance, function, (gait)speed, coordination, and endurance training. Based on physiotherapist staffing and physiotherapy time allocated to each patient, we organized the practical, daily delivery of the program. Results GAPP is a 5‐day program, repeated weekly, delivered by physiotherapists and physiotherapy students. Each day, one or a combination of two to three different core components of functional performance is trained intensively in 45‐min sessions. A set of standard exercises is constantly adjusted to each patients' capacity. On day 5, there is a mix of these core elements in a group session (e.g., chair‐dance, table tennis, karate) and the Berg Balance Scale is completed to evaluate progress. Conclusion GAPP is a multicomponent physiotherapy program for hospitalized patients on a geriatric rehabilitation ward, aimed at improving functional performance.