• 대한통합의학회지
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• 제12권3호
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• pp.179-188
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• 2024

Purpose : The home-visiting exercise guidance service is a component of the community-based integrated care policy in District J of Busan Metropolitan City. This study aims to investigate the effects of the service provided by physical therapists on depression, pain, and balance among the elderly. Methods : Three elderly individuals were selected as study participants. Depression was assessed using the beck depression inventory (BDI) and the short geriatric depression scale-Korea (SGDS-K). Pain was evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS). Balance was assessed using the berg balance scale (BBS), functional reach test (FRT), and timed up and go test (TUGT). The evaluation data were compared by averaging the values from the first and eighth sessions. Additionally, the overall satisfaction with the home-visiting exercise guidance service was surveyed. Results : In the depression assessment, the beck depression inventory score decreased (by 16.67±5.69 points), and the short geriatric depression scale score decreased (by 4.67±2.52 points). The visual analog scale score for pain decreased (by 2.67±0.58 points). In the balance assessment, the berg balance scale score increased (by 7.67±2.52 points), the functional reach test distance extended (by 4.67±0.58 cm), and the timed up and go test time decreased (by 5.33±0.58 s). Overall satisfaction with the home-visiting exercise guidance service was high (4.26±0.14 points). Conclusion : The home-visiting exercise guidance service received high satisfaction ratings from the participants. It was effective in reducing depression and pain while improving balance, potentially reducing fall risk factors among the elderly. These findings suggest that the home-visiting exercise guidance service, delivered by physical therapists, could significantly enhance the quality of life for elderly individuals by addressing issues related to depression, pain, and fall prevention within the community. Consequently, it is recommended that this service be continued and expanded as part of government policy.