Page 191 - Hospital Authority Convention 2017
P. 191

Parallel Sessions



                PS8.5     Technology Advancement and Innovation                10:45  Room 423 & Room 424

               State-of-the-art Model of PhysiotherApy CaRe for DemenTia – Smart Move
               Lo MY
               Physiotherapy Department, United Christian Hospital, Hong Kong                                      HOSPITAL AUTHORITY CONVENTION 2017
               Dementia is a growing concern due to the ageing population in Hong Kong. Physiotherapists can offer different non-
               pharmacological interventions to people with dementia for a better quality of life. Physiotherapists work as part of a multi-
               disciplinary team ensuring the delivery of high quality and effective care for people with dementia.

               This presentation describes our experience in implementing a physiotherapy programme focused on providing collaborative
               care to improve the quality of life for those with dementia and reduce the burden of caregiver. Exercise has been reported to
               have positive effects on cognition, mood and behavioural symptoms of dementia. Physiotherapist input is important to make
               the exercise programme safe and effective by considering the age, abilities and type of dementia, as well as the needs and
               preferences of dementia clients.
               A multi-component physiotherapy-led exercise programme “Smart Move” was developed since 2012 at United Christian
               Hospital. It included aerobic exercise, cognitive-targeted and dual task exercises and education activities. Physiotherapists in
               the multi-disciplinary team of Integrated Cognitive Assessment Clinic (ICAC) assess and recruit clients diagnosed with early
               stage dementia and in need of physiotherapy interventions to promote cognitive and functional abilities.

               The Smart Move programme consisted of two parts, including an eight-session physiotherapist-instructed physical exercise
               empowerment class and a home-based targeted physical exercise programme.  A prospective, pre and post-test self-control
               study in was conducted from 2013 to 2014. After 16 weeks of physical exercise training, participants (n=31) performed
               better in Stroop Color Word test (Wilcoxon signed-rank text, p<0.05), which reflects potential enhancement of attention and
               executive function.  Moreover, their dual task gait speed was improved (paired t test, p<0.05). Neuropsychiatric Inventory and
               symptoms alleviated after training (Wilcoxon-signed ranked test, p<0.05).

               The study showed that dementia clients would benefit from the physiotherapy-led exercise programme in terms of
               enhancement of attention, executive function, dual task performance, and alleviation of neuropsychiatric symptoms.
               To help clients sustain the achievements, we also collaborated with NGOs and integrated the Smart Move programme in the
               community centres. Through the collaboration with community partners, our clients were engaged for sustainable exercise
               programme in the community as well.

               Physiotherapy Smart Move exercise programme is a clinically cost-effective and accessible intervention. This novel
               collaborative model of care provided a new pathway to preserve and promote quality of life for people with dementia.
               Moreover, both the client and caregiver are beneficially attended.                                  Wednesday, 17 May










































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