Effectiveness of Group Physiotherapy Exercise for Reduction of Hospitalizations Due to Fractures Among Patients Aged 65 and Over

Abstract

Background: Physiotherapy exercises can reduce the number and risk of falls among patients 65 years and above. However, there is limited data regarding the effectiveness of this intervention in reducing hospitalizations due to fractures. Therefore, our objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of group physiotherapy exercises (GPE) in reducing hospitalizations due to fractures among patients aged 65 and over.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study included patients aged 65 and over who participated in a GPE intervention comprised of general and balance exercises during 2015-2019. The primary outcome measure was the hospitalization rate due to fractures during one year. We compared the rates pre and post-GPE intervention, adjusted for socio-demographic characteristics, comorbidities, the use of drugs associated with the risk of falling, the number of group sessions, and pre-intervention fractures that led to hospitalization rate.

Results: 45,120 participants met the eligibility criteria, with a mean age of 73.8±6.5. The rate of hospitalizations due to fractures pre and post-intervention was 1.84% (N=829) and 0.78% (N=350), respectively, with mean difference of 1.06% (95% CI=0.91%-1.21%, P<0.001). Older age, female sex, and antidepressant consumption were associated with increased odds of hospitalization due to fractures. Pre-intervention hospitalization was not associated with post-intervention hospitalization.

Implications and conclusion: GPE intervention was associated with a 58% reduction in hospitalizations due to fractures among patients aged 65 and over. These results suggest that GPE could help prevent severe fractures.

Note:
Funding Information: This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

Conflict of Interests: None. There were no sources of support or financial involvement in any organization or entity with a direct financial or other interest in the subject matter or materials discussed in the article.

Ethical Approval: The CHS Helsinki committee approved the study and exempt from the requirement to obtain informed consent.

Keywords: Fall prevention, hospitalization, physiotherapy, Exercise, Elderly