An article by María Concepción Lorca Moreno,
Collegiate 3838 Professional Association of Physiotherapists of the Community of Madrid ()
Immobility can be defined as the decrease in the individual’s ability to perform movements, which leads to a deterioration in their relationship with the environment and causes dependence to perform activities of daily living (ADL)(1).
Recognized as a geriatric syndrome, immobility is a cause of dependency in our elderly, defined as the permanent state in which people find themselves who, for reasons derived from age, illness or disability and linked to lack or loss of physical, mental, intellectual or sensory autonomy, require the attention of another person or persons or important help to carry out basic activities of daily living or, in the case of people with intellectual disabilities or mental illness, other support for their personal autonomy (2,3).
FUNCTIONAL ASSESSMENT
In all elderly patients, the degree of mobility should be assessed, as well as the risk factors for immobility detected. A comprehensive geriatric assessment must be carried out, which includes a medical, mental, social and functional assessment, as well as the detection of so-called geriatric syndromes: falls, urinary incontinence, sleep disorders, inappropriate use of medication…(4)
PHYSIOTHERAPY INTERVENTIONS
These interventions will be focused on preventing musculoskeletal complications and/or reversing immobility.
Bibliography:
1 Ruiz T. Geriatric syndromes: immobility syndrome, falls, urinary incontinence, acute confusional syndrome, pressure ulcers, malnutrition. García M, Martínez R. Nursing and aging. 1st ed. Barcelona: Elsevier Spain; 2012. 61-100
2 Law 39/2006, of December 14, on the Promotion of Personal Autonomy and Care for people in a situation of dependency. Official State Gazette, no.299; 12-15-2006
3 Vicente A. Dependency care. Millán JC Gerontology and geriatrics. 1st ed. Madrid: Pan-American medical editorial; 2011. 147-169.
4 Marín P. Fragility in the Elderly and Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment. Rheumatology 2004; 20(2):54-57.