A 3-month multicomponent home-based rehabilitation program for older people with restricted life-space mobility: a pilot study

Purpose] The purpose of this study was to verify the effects of a 3-month multicomponent home-based rehabilitation program developed on the basis of the reevaluation of older people with restricted life-space mobility. Participants and Methods] The participants were residents in Japan aged ≥65 years who had Life-Space Assessment scores ≤52.3. Multicomponent home-based rehabilitation was conducted by physical and occupational therapists. Each visit included 40–60 min of combined exercise, practicing activities of daily living, improving the home environment, and caregiver support. The programs were developed in accordance with a flow diagram. The primary outcome was life-space mobility evaluated using the Life-Space Assessment score. Results] Overall, 30 participants completed the intervention. The mean age of the participants was 82.4 ± 7.5 years. Three months after the intervention initiation, the Life-Space Assessment scores significantly improved from 12.0 to 30.5. The proportion of participants at maximal life-space level 5 (unlimited mobility) doubled from 16.7% at baseline to 33.3%. The functional independent measure score, fall efficacy scale score, and lower limb strength associated with standing up also significantly improved. We found no significant changes in the geriatric depression scale 5 and self-rated good health scores. Conclusion] Multicomponent home-based rehabilitation can improve life-space mobility in older people with restricted life-space mobility.Key words: Home-based rehabilitation, Life-Space mobility, Older people