Page 45 - Hospital Authority Convention 2017

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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