Efficacy of physical restoration in the elderly.

Studies of the effects of physical exercise programs have shown that such programs can improve older persons' functional capacity. Research was conducted to determine the efficacy of two different types of physical restoration regimens--active and passive--in improving the performance of elderly persons with chronic pain conditions. Data from elderly persons admitted for back and pain rehabilitation to the Comprehensive Pain and Rehabilitation Center (CPRC) at the University of Miami are presented. The active approach consisted of the aggressive rehabilitation program at the CPRC, a 4-week program of daily physical therapy, occupational therapy, behavioral modification, and counseling. Treatment goals were improved strength, flexibility, posture, balance, gait, and overall well-being. The passive approach was based on the use of functional electric stimulation (FES) as an adjunct treatment to strengthen lower extremity muscles weakened by disuse. To evaluate the effectiveness of these approaches to physical restoration, we performed ergonomic assessment of subjects' functional abilities, including static strength and range of motion. Findings indicated that both methods were valuable in physical restoration in the elderly. Specifically FES proved effective in strengthening weak muscles in the lower extremities and shows great potential for neuromuscular conditioning in older cohorts.