Model Inovatif Evidence-Based Complementary Physiotherapy (EBCP) Berbasis mind–body untuk Kualitas Hidup Lansia

Abstract

Background: Aging is associated with increased pain, reduced functional mobility, and decreased quality of life among older adults. Conventional physiotherapy primarily focuses on physical function, highlighting the need for a more holistic approach that integrates mind–body components. The Evidence-Based Complementary Physiotherapy (EBCP) model was developed as an integrative mind–body approach combining yoga therapy with progressive muscle relaxation, breathing exercises, and natural aromatherapy. Objective: To analyze the effects of the mind–body-based EBCP model on pain intensity, functional mobility, and quality of life among older adults compared with conventional physiotherapy. Methods: This study employed a quasi-experimental design using a pretest–posttest with control group approach. A total of 54 older adults were assigned to a control group (n = 27) or an EBCP group (n = 27). The control group received conventional physiotherapy, whereas the EBCP group received conventional physiotherapy integrated with natural aromatherapy, progressive muscle relaxation, breathing exercises, and gentle yoga. The intervention was administered three times per week for four weeks. Pain intensity was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), functional mobility using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and quality of life using the WHOQOL-BREF. Data were analyzed using paired t-tests, independent t-tests, and Cohen’s d. Results: The EBCP group demonstrated a reduction in VAS scores from 6.04 ± 1.18 to 2.74 ± 0.96, with a mean difference of −3.30; a reduction in TUG time from 15.38 ± 2.31 to 10.82 ± 1.87 seconds, with a mean difference of −4.56 seconds; and an increase in WHOQOL-BREF scores from 60.89 ± 6.95 to 76.52 ± 5.73, with a mean difference of +15.63. All within-group changes in the EBCP group were statistically significant (p < 0.001). Posttest comparisons between groups also showed significant differences in VAS, TUG, and WHOQOL-BREF scores (all p < 0.001). The effect sizes were large, with Cohen’s d values of 1.89 for VAS, 1.57 for TUG, and 1.72 for WHOQOL-BREF. Conclusion: A four-week mind–body-based EBCP intervention produced greater improvements in pain, functional mobility, and quality of life than conventional physiotherapy among older adults (p < 0.001; Cohen’s d = 1.57–1.89). These findings support EBCP as a holistic, integrative approach to geriatric physiotherapy. However, the individual contributions of the intervention components could not be determined. Further studies using stronger experimental designs and longer follow-up periods are warranted to confirm the long-term effectiveness of EBCP