Research Information System
Fizyoterapi Rehabilitasyon, vol.17, no.1, pp.29-35, 2006 (SCI-Expanded)
Purpose: The physical conditions like architectural modifications and social atmosphere that elderly people are in and participation of physical and social activities affect physical performance. The aim of the study was to compare physical performance of elderly people living at home and in institution, and to investigate factors effecting physical performance. Materials and methods: Sixty-four elderly people were included to this study (32 elderly people live in Elderly Care Institution of Turgutlu and 32 elderly people living at the same town) between January and April 2004. Demographic data of the elderly people were recorded and mobility (30-second sit-to-stand test), balance (side to side stance test, semi tandem stance test, and tandem stance test) and physical performance (6-minute walk test) were evaluated. Results: No difference was found among demographic and physical characteristics between institutionalized group and home group (p>0.05). Six-minute walk test distance for physical performance of the home-dwelling group (505.6±199.4 m) was significantly higher than the institutionalized group (245.2±101.3 m) (p=0.002). Physical performance was correlated with age (p<0.001) and mobility in both groups (p=0.039). Conclusions: Results of this study suggested that elderly people who live in institution had lower mobility, balance and physical performance then those who live at home and that age and lower mobility negatively influence physical performance of elderly people.