Health Bulletin, Vol. 11 No. 1, 2025.
Case report, case study
https://doi.org/10.47960/2303-8616.2025.1.11.138
THE EFFECTS OF PHYSICAL EXERCISE ON PAIN, MOTOR ABILITIES AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN AN ELDERLY WOMAN WITH CHRONIC PAIN: A CASE REPORT
Edin Krupalija
orcid.org/0000-0002-0806-432X
; Faculty of Health Studies, University of Mostar, 88 000 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
*
Boris Hrabač
; Faculty of Health Studies, University of Mostar, 88 000 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Safet Kapo
; Faculty of Sports and Physical Education, 71 000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Introduction: Physical activity has the potential to improve the physical and mental health of
older adults, reducing the risk of joint pain and disability. Previous research suggests that
regular muscle-strengthening exercise can enhance quality of life, however, chronic pain
remains a challenge that negatively affects daily activities and social participation. Due to the
importance of maintaining physical fitness in older age, tailored physical activity programs
are recommended.
Objective: Assess the impact of six physical activity treatments on pain, motor abilities, and
quality of life in an elderly woman with chronic hip and knee joint pain.
Case Report: The participant, a 74-year-old elderly woman, reported chronic hip and knee
pain. Physical assessment included the Senior Fitness Test, Barthel Index, NRS pain scale,
vital signs, and body composition analysis. After four weeks of therapy encompassing
strength, stretching, and endurance exercises, no significant improvement in mobility was
observed, but vital signs remained stable. The intensity of joint pain did not decrease.
Conclusion: The results indicate that physical activity can have selective effects on various
aspects of health in older adults, but combination with other therapies is necessary for more
significant outcomes. Further research with larger samples and longer treatment durations is
needed to better understand the effects of physical activity.
Keywords
Senior Fitness Test; physiotherapy; physical exercise; quality of life
Hrčak ID:
331615
URI
Publication date:
27.5.2025.
Visits: 732 *