Physical activity in the elderly who underwent joint replacement surgery in the course of rheumatic diseases

• Main Authors: Agnieszka Prusinowska, Arkadiusz Komorowski, Wiktor Przepióra, Krystyna Księżopolska-Orłowska
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Termedia Publishing House 2016-07-01
• Series: Rheumatology
• Subjects: geriatrics; joint replacement; physiotherapy; activity
• Online Access: http://www.termedia.pl/Physical-activity-in-the-elderly-who-underwent-joint-replacement-surgery-in-the-course-of-rheumatic-diseases,18,27992,1,1.html

According to the forecasts of the Central Statistical Office of Poland, in 2030 people at the age of 65 and older will account for 23.8%, i.e. their number will amount to approx. 8.5 m people. Geriatric rheumatic patients more often decide to undergo surgical joint replacement. According to the National Health Fund, the number of joint replacement services provided in 2014 increased by 93%, as compared to 2005. Improving the physical performance of this constantly expanding group of patients requires taking into account many factors to raise their functional status, reduce the risk of falling, teach rules of proper functioning with an artificial joint and encourage unassisted physical activity. Restoring fitness and independence is a difficult but necessary task due to an increasing number of seniors with replaced joint.