A influência de um programa de fisioterapia no equilíbrio e medo de cair em idosos institucionalizados

The aging manifests in a process of physiological decline, which can result in imbalances and bring the elderly to fall. Purpose: This study is intended to achieve a purpose: efficiency of therapy s programs in seniors balance and fear of falling in the elderly. Methods: 11 elderly institutionalized patients, with an average age of 81 years old, were assigned in two groups: experimental, with 5 seniors, and control, with 6. This experimental group had 4 weeks of therapy’s programs – 5 days of weekly application. A sociodemographic interview was performed to collect all personal data. Balance was evaluated by Berg s and Tinetti s Scales. The fear of falling was evaluated by Falls Efficacy Scale (FES). The 3 scales were evaluated in two moments: before and after program s application. Results: The results showed significant differences concerning to the application of physical therapy protocol in balance, only Berg s scale (p=0,043) and in the fear of falling by FES (p=0,039). Conclusion: The result of this research concluded that physiotherapy had an important influence on the balance and fear of falling of the elderly.