IMPACT ON THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF ELDERLY PEOPLE WITH FEMUR FRACTURES

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the impact of falls and femur fractures on the quality of life of older adults, as well as to highlight the contribution of physical therapy to the prevention and rehabilitation of these events. This is an integrative, descriptive-exploratory literature review conducted in the Virtual Health Library (VHL) between February and August 2025. Inclusion criteria included articles in Portuguese, freely accessible, and published between 2015 and 2025. After applying eligibility filters, nine studies comprised the final sample for analysis. The results indicate that falls, especially in older adults with bone fragility and chronic diseases such as osteoporosis, hypertension, and diabetes, are frequent causes of femur fractures, representing a serious public health problem. Such events compromise autonomy, increase morbidity and mortality, and generate high social and economic costs. The review demonstrated that physical therapy plays an essential role in prevention and rehabilitation, through strengthening and balance exercises, practices such as Pilates and hydrotherapy, and environmental adaptations. It concludes that physical therapy contributes significantly to reducing the risk of falls, promoting functional independence, and improving the quality of life of older adults.