Spring 2021 Age and wellbeing
Contents
Exercise and Parkinson's update: are your patients getting the right dose
Early physiotherapy intervention is important to support changes in exercise behaviour for people with Parkinson's. Careful consideration should be given to building physical activity into the daily routine of this patient group, with individually tailored exercise programmes that target their specific needs
Beccy Oliver and Julie Jones
From ageing athlete to ageless athlete
Playing 50 games of football in 50 days while working full time is somewhat of a challenge but try doing it when you are 50 years old! David Mott is 53 and feels as fit as he did when he was 33. His article explains how to ensure that the older athlete can maintain their fitness levels to continue the activities they enjoy
Dave Mott
The continuum of movement: engaging older people in physical activity
Despite clear UK physical activity guidelines, the proportion of older people achieving the recommended level of physical activity is low. It is important to understand the continuum of movement that might enable physiotherapists to work with older people to engage them in physical activity. The aim of this article is to review the guidelines as well as some of the evidence for physical activity, the consequences of inactivity, the impact of Covid-19 and discuss ways in which physiotherapists can promote physical activity to those over 65 years of age to offset the consequences of sedentary lifestyles
Sarah de Biase
A focus on exercise intervention and the role of the physiotherapist in the Prevention of Falls Injury Trial (PreFIT)
The Prevention of Falls Injury Trial (PreFIT) is the largest UK clinical trial of falls prevention interventions. The aim of the trial is to investigate the clinical and cost-effectiveness of three alternative interventions to prevent falls and fractures in older adults living in the community. As well as an overview of the trial aims and results, the focus of this article is to discuss the delivery and impact of the exercise intervention and the role of physiotherapy in the trial.
Susanne Finnegan
Physio-Logical pain: painful symptoms and bodily distress /somatoform disorders within clinical practice
The complex and personal experience of pain is hard to convey, yet critical to comprehend. This article explores the relationships between emotional trauma, pain perception and persistent pain. Clinical experience, academic expertise and mounting scientific evidence are combined to deliver a fresh perspective on aetiology of chronic pain. Recognising the neurological, physiological and behavioural adaptions that make pain persist, helps physiotherapists more effectively understand and support chronic pain patients.