Journal of geriatric physical therapy
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J Geriatr Phys Ther · Oct 2013
ReviewThe effectiveness of physical therapist-administered group-based exercise on fall prevention: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.
Falls are a verified cause of morbidity and mortality in adults older than 65 years. Exercise under the direction of a physical therapist has been shown to reduce the risk of falls in older adults; however, it is not clear whether physical therapist-directed group-based exercise could produce similar results. ⋯ There is preliminary evidence to suggest that the group-based exercise is effective for falls prevention, quality-of-life enhancement, and balance improvements in the older adults comparable with traditional home exercise programs.
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Recent studies of ventilated, critically ill patients have shown early mobilization to be safe and resulting in better functional outcomes at discharge but have not focused on older adults. ⋯ Overall results indicate the feasibility and safety of implementing an early mobilization program to critically ill older adult patients.