Category: Medical Professionals

The purpose of this study was to describe the development and initial pilot results of the HOP-UP-PT Program, a hybrid physical therapy care model (in-person and telerehabilitation visits). The prospective observational pilot study included five participants referred from a community center. The HOP-UP-PT Program utilized fall risk, functional, environmental, cognitive, and health-related assessments. Five older adults aged 73 to 92 years were enrolled. Outcomes suggest that health, functional, and environmental benefits may be achieved when an older person participates in the HOP-UP-PT Program. Evidence emerging from this pilot study suggests trends toward improved functional outcomes associated with reduced fall risk and customized home-based safety recommendations among older adults participating in the HOP-UP-PT Program.

The purpose of this study was to describe outcomes of the HOP-UP-PT program, including telerehabilitation visits and activity monitoring use, targeted toward older adults referred from one community senior center. Older adults identified as “at risk” for decline or becoming homebound were referred by Auburn Hills senior center staff to participate in the 6-month program Read More

The purpose of this study was to describe self-reported outcomes and perceptions of community-dwelling older adults who participated in HOP-UP-PT. A telephone survey was offered 1-3 months after program completion to HOP-UP-PT participants. No falls were reported by 15 respondents and 3 reported 1 to 2 falls without injury. Seventeen participants reported no hospitalizations, one reported only overnight emergency room observation, and no participants reported requiring physical therapy. Participants reported benefits of activity trackers (18/18), fall-prevention exercises (17/18), and electronic blood pressure monitor use (13/18). Despite reported benefits, participants indicated an inability/unwillingness to privately pay for the program with fixed incomes identified as the rationale for this response. The findings of this study suggest efficacy of HOP-UP-PT may translate to participant satisfaction and positive health and behavior changes after participation.