The effect of functional mobility and balance on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among elderly people living at home and those living in nursing home

The present study examined the effect of functional mobility and balance on HRQoL among elderly people living at home and those living in nursing homes. The study included 122 elderly people aged 65 and over. With regard to the individuals whose socio-demographic data were collected in the scope of the study, balance and functional mobility levels were evaluated using the timed up and go test (TUG) and Berg balance scale (BBS); HRQoL was evaluated using the Nottingham health profile (NHP); physical independence in daily activities was evaluated using the Barthel index (BI); and basic mobility in daily life was evaluated using the Rivermead mobility index (RMI). Statistically significant differences were found between the TUG, BBS and NHP values of the elderly people living in a home environment and those living in nursing homes (p < 0.05). However, no statistically significant difference could be found between the BI and RMI values (p > 0.05). A statistically significant relationship was found between the NHP and TUG, RMI, BI and the use of assistive devices in daily life activities (p < 0.05). It is thought that the inclusion of functional mobility and balance training in elderly care and rehabilitation programs would be useful for the elderly people to develop functional independence and in increasing their HRQoL. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.