ประสิทธิผลและความเป็นไปได้ของการใช้โปรแกรมสร้างเสริมสุขภาพด้านการเคลื่อนไหวและป้องกันการล้มในผู้สูงอายุ เขตกรุงเทพมหานคร

Mantana Vongsirinavarat; Rapeepat Jitmal

Authors

Mantana Vongsirinavarat Faculty of Physical Therapy, Mahidol University
Rapeepat Jitmal Faculty of Physical Therapy, Mahidol University

Keywords:

fall prevention, health promotion, elderly, physical therapy, fear of falling

Abstract

Currently, Thailand has more than 20% of its population aged 60 years and above. One in three elderly people in Thailand experiences falls, leading to physical and psychological consequences. The treatment after falls incurs considerable economic losses for the country. Therefore, fall prevention in the elderly is an important strategy for addressing this issue. This pilot study aimed to analyze the clinical outcomes and feasibility of health promotion services focusing on mobility and fall prevention for the elderly, operated by the physical therapy centers or clinics in Bangkok area. The study used a mixed method, combining quantitative and qualitative approaches. Secondary data on clinical outcomes from the health promotion project on fall prevention for the elderly, by the Physical Therapy Association of Thailand in the fiscal year 2024, and in-depth interviews with relevant stakeholders, were used. The data from 313 participants (266 low-fall risk and 47 high-fall risk) were analyzed. The results showed significant improvements in lower limb performance, arm strength, leg strength, as well as an increase in cognitive ability and a reduction in fear of falling in low-fall risk group. For the high-fall risk group, there were significant improvements in lower limb performance, leg strength, and a reduction in fear of falling. Additionally, the physical therapy service units were ready to provide fall prevention and health promotion services for the elderly, but involvement from government agencies or health policy-related entities was needed. The suggestions were that physical therapy health promotion services can help the elderly to improve physical performance and reduce the risk of falls. While physical therapists and clinics were ready for sustainable service delivery, greater involvement from government agencies in terms of data sharing and service accessibility of clients was essential.

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