Impaired physical mobility in institutionalized elderly

Abstract

Objectives: To characterize institutionalized elderly and associate impaired physical mobility with gender, age, presence of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, pain and physical activity. Methods: Cross-sectional, analytical study carried out with 124 institutionalized elderly. Results: The majority of the elderly showed impaired physical mobility, prevalence in the age groups of 70 - 80 years and 80 years or more were female; prevalence of hypertension and diabetes mellitus; CVA sequel, weakness, pain and musculoskeletal problems as the main reasons for impaired physical mobility. There was statistical significance (p<0.05) between impaired physical mobility and physical activity. Conclusion: These findings identify the importance of a multidisciplinary work to prevent and minimize the consequences of impaired physical mobility among institutionalized elderly.