The Value of Strength Testing for Geriatric Patients

As our population ages, the need for specialized care in geriatric physical therapy is more critical than ever. This branch of physical therapy focuses on addressing the unique issues and needs of aging adults, helping them maintain and optimize function in their daily activities. While advances in healthcare have extended our lifespans, they have also brought about a sharp rise in disability and impairment among the elderly. Understanding and mitigating these challenges are crucial for enhancing the quality of life in our senior years.

The Aging Population and Its Challenges

The longer we live, the more our bodies endure the wear and tear of daily activities. Simple tasks such as driving or engaging in hobbies like golfing can become painful or lead to disability as we age. This often results in older adults limiting or ceasing their activities, triggering a downward spiral that can ultimately lead to a loss of independence. Geriatric physical therapy aims to break this cycle by focusing on strength, mobility, and balance, thereby helping aging individuals maintain their abilities and confidence to stay active.

Customization and Benefits of Geriatric Physical Therapy

Geriatric physical therapy is tailored to individual needs and specific goals, with research demonstrating its effectiveness in restoring mobility, reducing pain, increasing strength, and improving fitness levels across all aging patients, regardless of diagnosis. One of the critical assessments in geriatric physical therapy is handgrip strength, which is a strong predictor of functional, psychological, and social health in aging populations. Studies, such as those published in Oxford Academic Age and Aging, have shown a clear correlation between muscle wasting and accelerated decline in older individuals (The Journals of Gerontology: Series A, 74(4), 519–527, Associations Between Aging-Related Changes in Grip Strength and Cognitive Function in Older Adults: A Systematic Review). 

Conditions Treated with Geriatric Physical Therapy

Geriatric physical therapy addresses a comprehensive array of conditions that commonly affect older adults. This specialized therapy is crucial for maintaining and improving quality of life, mobility, and independence. Below are some of the primary conditions that are treated:

Arthritis: Primarily Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Arthritis, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, is prevalent among the elderly, causing joint pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Geriatric physical therapy helps manage the systems through exercises that improve joint function, flexibility, and strength.

Osteopenia and Osteoporosis are characterized by decreased bone density and increased fracture risk, are found commonly found in older adults. Physical therapy focuses on weight-bearing exercises and resistance trainmen to strength bones and improve balance, reducing the risk of falls and fractures.

Cancer Related Complications

Cancer and its treatments can lead to significant physical impairments. Geriatric physical therapists help manage fatigue, weakness, and mobility issues through tailored exercise programs, which enhances the overall well-being and recovery process for older cancer patients.

Impairment Related to Alzheimer's Disease

Physical therapy plays a vital role in managing Alzheimer's disease by promoting physical activity, which can help slow cognitive decline and improve mood and behavior. Therapists designed activities that are safe and enjoyable, focusing on maintaining functional independence as long as possible.

Joint Replacement Recovery

Post surgical rehabilitation is critical for patients who have undergone joint replacement. Physical therapy aids in regaining strength, flexibility, and range of motion, ensuring a successful recovery and return to daily activities.

Neurological Disorders: Stroke, Parkinson's, Multiple Sclerosis, Vestibular and Balance Disorders

Geriatric physical therapy addresses various neurologic conditions through exercises and interventions designed to improve motor function, coordination, and balance. Specific techniques are used to enhance neuroplasticity, aiding in the recovery and management of conditions like stroke and Parkinson's disease.

Aging Related Weakness and Loss of Function

General weakness and loss of function due to aging are common issues that physical therapy addresses. By promoting strength, endurance, and flexibility through customized exercise programs, therapists help older adults maintain their independence and perform daily activities more effectively.

Fall Risk and Gait Training

Falls are a leading cause of injury among the elderly. Physical Therapists conduct fall risk assessments and implement balance training, strength exercises, and gait training to reduce the likelihood of falls and enhance safety and confidence in mobility. 

To address this list of issues that the geriatric population faces, strength testing, which includes manual muscle testing can be done to assess strength which then allows physical therapists to create treatment plans.

The Importance of Strength Testing

Testing seniors for overall strength is vital as it provides invaluable information about possible deficits and helps track progress. Physical fitness is often associated with younger populations, but functional fitness becomes critical as one enters senior years to maintain a quality life. Adequate strength, flexibility, and endurance are necessary for older adults to perform everyday tasks. Thus, assessing these fitness areas, alongside overall strength, helps identify and treat weaknesses before they cause serious limitations or disability.

Addressing Common Injuries Associated with Falls

As mentioned in the list above, falls are a significant concern for the elderly, with more than 300,000 patients aged 65 and older hospitalized for hip fractures each year in the United States. Over 95% of these fractures result from falls. The National Institute of Health (NIH) identifies several risk factors for falls, including weak muscles (especially in the legs), balance and gait problems, postural hypotension, foot problems, unsafe footwear, confusion, and medication side effects (National Institute on Aging. (n.d.): Falls and Fractures in Older Adults: Causes and Preventions).

Reliable Strength Testing Tools: The MicroFET 2

To evaluate muscle weakness effectively, especially after a hip fracture, the MicroFET 2 from Hoggan Health is highly recommended. This device accurately and objectively measures strength in multiple planes, providing reliable and repeatable results. Its wireless capability and real-time data collection software enhance its utility in various settings.

The MicroFET 2's reliability is well-documented. For instance, A study by Schaubert and Bohannon (2005) deminstrated the reliability and validity of the MicroFET 2 hand-held dynamometer in assessing strength in elderly individuals. The 12-week study demonstrated high intraclass correlation coefficients, validating the use of this device for monitoring strength and mobility limitations (Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 19(3), 717-720). Reliability and validity of three strength measures obtained from community-dwelling elderly persons).

Enhancing Quality of Life Through Strength Testing

Working with the geriatric community is immensely rewarding, especially with the right tools. Advances in medicine and technology continue to extend our lives, making it crucial for the elderly to have access to practitioners and tools that help maintain their quality of life. Strength testing is a cornerstone of this process, providing essential information that helps keep elderly patients functioning in their daily tasks and thriving.

In conclusion, strength testing in geriatric physical therapy is not just about assessing muscle power; it's about ensuring our aging population can continue to live independently and enjoy a high quality of life. With tools like the MicroFET 2, practitioners can offer precise and reliable assessments, ultimately contributing to better outcomes for their patients.

Related Blog Posts:

Handheld Dynamometers for Manual Muscle Testing

A Handheld Dynamometer for Manual Muscle Testing: The JTECH Medical Commander Echo

The Lafayette Handheld Dynamometer: Strength Assessment for Manual Muscle Testing

The MicroFET 2 and its Best Applications

Maximizing Rehabilitation: The MicroFET 2 for Physical Therapists

User Guide to MicroFET 2: Maximizing Performance and Accuracy

Related Information:

Sacropenia (Cleveland Clinic)

Geriatric Functional Assessment (Michigan Medicine)

References:

Zammit, A. R., Robitaille, A., Piccinin, A. M., Muniz-Terrera, G., & Hofer, S. M. (2019). Associations Between Aging-Related Changes in Grip Strength and Cognitive Function in Older Adults: A Systematic Review. The Journals of Gerontology: Series A, 74(4), 519–527. https://doi.org/10.1093/gerona/gly046

National Institute on Aging. (n.d.). Falls and fractures in older adults: Causes and prevention. Accessed 05/29/2024; Retrieved from https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/falls-and-falls-prevention/falls-and-fractures-older-adults-causes-and-prevention

Schaubert, K. L., & Bohannon, R. W. (2005). Reliability and validity of three strength measures obtained from community-dwelling elderly persons. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 19(3), 717-720. Retrieved from https://read.qxmd.com/read/16095431/reliability-and-validity-of-three-strength-measures-obtained-from-community-dwelling-elderly-persons.