Research focus on elderly health
At the Division of Physiotherapy, several researchers focus on elderly health. The research deals with effects of physical activity and training for different groups of elderly people and in different contexts such as home-living, hospitals and nursing homes. Research is also ongoing for screening of fall risk, where reduced balance and need for help in everyday life with daily activities are important risk factors.
Our own as well as others' research clearly shows that physical activity and exercise reduce the risk of suffering various diseases. It also shows that maintaining or improving our physical capacity enables us to be independent in daily activities, which increases well-being and reduces the risk of falls.
Research also shows inactivity and sedentary behavior increase the risk of needing help in everyday life with daily activities. Furthermore, physical inactivity affects before a fall accident, the need for help in the long term.
During the current crisis you need to think about how to keep up your physical activity level, and besides recommending to continue taking walks, there are several possibilities for indoor training.
Short workouts
A physiotherapist in Region Gotland has recorded short training sessions.
Safe step
There is an app that contains exercises that are good for reducing the risk of fall. The app is called “Säkra steg” (Safe Steps) and can be downloaded for free. The app is part of a study and if you can consider being included in the study you will have access to various exercises.
Exercises to reduce the risk of falls
Another app called Otago classic can be downloaded from Google play, where you also get tips on exercises that are good for reducing the risk of falls.
Social interaction online
Research from our division as well as other groups also shows that social interaction is important for several aspects of health, as well as maintaining memory functions and reducing the risk of falls and addiction to help. SPF Seniors give tips on digital activities in corona times, including on social interaction online.
Elisabeth Rydwik, Senior lecturer in physiotherapy and Associate Professor
Anna-Karin Welmer, Senior lecturer in physiotherapy and Associate Professor