Analysis of the effectiveness of physical therapy through psychomotricity in institutionalized elderly

Abstract

Objective: To assess the elderly’s perception of the effectiveness of physical therapy through psychomotor activities. Methods: This is a descriptive study, with a qualitative approach, performed with 19 elderly individuals, regardless of gender, who attended regular psychomotor activities at Lar Torres de Melo, a philanthropic institution in Fortaleza, CE, Brazil. Information was collected using a semi-structured interview in the period between February and May 2013. After transcription, reading and rereading of the interviews, the following thematic categories emerged: perceived benefits, feelings after the psychomotor activity, realizing the importance of physical therapy; and psychomotricity contribution to the emotional domain. Results: Through the elderly’s speech, one can observe that the psychomotor activities provide an improvement in their quality of life, helping them to maintain their functional capabilities with autonomy and independence, creating the strength to confront their limitations and overcome them. There is an improvement in general wellbeing, support for the preservation of independent living, and reduction in the effects of certain disabilities. The elderly also realized the importance of physical therapy for their functional ability, and that psychomotricity contributes to their emotional life. Conclusion: The institutionalized elderly feel that psychomotricity contributes to their emotional wellbeing, and that the activities contribute to physical and mental performance, and thereby improve their autonomy and ability to cope with their limitations, providing a better quality of life.