Eficácia do Programa SQuI2 na funcionalidade de Idosos Institucionalizados: projeto de um estudo quase experimental

Aging poses a global challenge, with Residential Care Facilities for Older Adults serving as the primary social support structure in Portugal. Increasing longevity with quality-of-life demands strengthened caregiving teams, particularly highlighting the role of Rehabilitation Nurses skilled in implementing multicomponent exercise programs as an optimal strategy to improve functionality indicators. The Stop Quedas Idosos Institucionalizados (SQuI2) program will be implemented by a Rehabilitation Nurse in a Residential Care Facility for Older Adults in northern Portugal. This project aims to evaluate the program's impact on the functionality of institutionalized older adults, specifically in independence in Activities of Daily Living, balance, gait ability, muscle strength, and fall risk. A quasi-experimental study design was chosen, involving a convenience sample of institutionalized older adults (n=60) from two Residential Care Facilities (intervention group and control group, each with 30 participants). The program will be implemented over six months. Independence in Activities of Daily Living, balance, gait ability, muscle strength, and fall risk will be the dependent variables monitored monthly using the following instruments: Barthel Index, Berg Balance Scale, Functional Gait Categories, Morse Fall Scale, and Medical Research Council Muscle Scale. A significant improvement in functionality is expected in the intervention group, along with a reduction in fall occurrences. Additionally, the study aims to generate evidence highlighting the need to rethink traditional care models in Portuguese Residential Care Facilities for Older Adults, emphasizing the role of Rehabilitation Nurses in improving older adults' functionality.