Effects of comprehensive geriatric intervention on physical performance among people aged 75 years and over

Background and aims: We studied the effects of comprehensive geriatric assessment and multifactorial intervention on physical performance among older people. Methods: In a 3-year geriatric development project with an experimental design, 668 participants aged 75-98 were assigned to intervention (n=348) or control (n=320) groups. The intervention group received comprehensive geriatric assessment with an individually targeted intervention for 2 years. The outcome measures - performance in the Timed Up-and-Go (TUG), 10-meter walking and Berg Balance Scale tests - were gathered annually during the intervention and the 1-year follow-up after it. Results: With linear mixed models, over the 2-year intervention period, the intervention group was found to be improved in the balance (p<0.001) and walking speed (p<0.001) tests, and maintained performance in the TUG test (p<0.001), compared with the control group. The results remained significant 1 year post-intervention. Conclusions: Comprehensive geriatric assessment and individually targeted multifactorial intervention had positive effects on physical performance, potentially helping to maintain mobility and prevent disability in old age. (C) 2012, Editrice Kurtis