Abstract
Background
The aging population in Nigeria is rapidly increasing, with significant implications for healthcare systems. This study aimed to profile the clinical characteristics of geriatric outpatients managed by physiotherapists at the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Nigeria, focusing on prevalent conditions and functional status.
Method
This retrospective descriptive study reviewed outpatient records of individuals aged 65 years and above who attended physiotherapy sessions at the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, between January 2022 and March 2025. Data were obtained from both electronic and paper records and included demographic characteristics, primary diagnoses, functional status, and use of assistive devices. Data were summarised using frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations where appropriate.
Results
Out of 160 records, 148 met the criteria. Most patients (62.2%) were aged 65–74 years, and 53.4% were female. Common diagnoses were stroke (39.9%), knee osteoarthritis (20.3%), and lumbar spondylosis (16.2%). Nearly half (49.3%) were independent, 29.1% required assistance, and 21.6% used wheelchairs. Co-morbidities, particularly stroke with osteoarthritis, were frequent.
Conclusion
The findings revealed that cerebrovascular accidents, knee osteoarthritis, and lumbar spondylosis are key contributors to disability in geriatric outpatients. Addressing these conditions can help tailor physiotherapy to improve older adults’ functional independence and quality of life.
Keywords: Geriatric physiotherapy, Older adults, Nigeria, Ageing population
Introduction
Population ageing is a global phenomenon with profound implications for health systems, economies, and social structures [1]. The United Nations estimates that the number of individuals aged 65 years and above will rise from approximately 800 million in 2020, representing 10% of the global population, to nearly 2 billion by 2050, accounting for about 22% [2]. This demographic transition is occurring more rapidly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) than in high-income countries, leaving less time for health systems to adapt [3].
Older adults contribute significantly to the global burden of chronic NCDs, including cardiovascular disease, stroke, osteoarthritis, and diabetes [4, 5]. These conditions often co-exist, leading to polypharmacy [6], frequent hospital admissions [7], and prolonged functional impairment [8, 9]. In high-income countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom, structured geriatric services have been developed to address these needs, incorporating multidisciplinary rehabilitation and physiotherapy as core components [10–12]. For instance, a UK-based study reported that targeted physiotherapy interventions reduced hospital readmission rates in older adults with stroke by 20% and improved mobility scores by 35% within 12 weeks [13]. A systematic review highlighted the effectiveness of high-intensity, longer-duration, risk-targeted programs [14]. A US pilot intervention combining geriatrics, palliative care, and physiotherapy reduced readmissions by 38.7% [15]. The Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP) lowered 30-day readmissions from 13.5% to 11.3% [16], while community-based rehabilitation pathways reported only 11% 90-day readmission rates in frail older adults [17].
In Nigeria, individuals aged 65 years and above constitute approximately 5.1% of the national population, equivalent to nearly 10 million people [18]. This proportion is projected to double by 2050 [18]. Unlike in high-income settings, this demographic shift is occurring within a fragile healthcare infrastructure characterised by limited rehabilitation facilities, few trained geriatric care specialists, and inadequate health insurance coverage [19]. The economic impact of geriatric diseases in Nigeria is considerable, with indirect costs including loss of productivity of caregivers, increased dependency ratios, and financial strain on households [20, 21]. Studies have shown that out-of-pocket expenditure (OOP) for managing chronic conditions in older Nigerians can consume up to 25% of household income (Onwujekwe et al., 2019). Monthly costs average about 3,500 Naira (US$9.70) [22], while annual expenses in some facilities exceed 22,000 Naira (US$63), especially for those with diabetes or multiple conditions [23]. In rural areas, households spend around 9,000 Naira annually, with the poorest devoting nearly 6% of their income to medical care [24].
Despite the rising population of older adults in Nigeria, evidence on their clinical profile and rehabilitation needs remains scarce. Given differences in disease patterns, access to care, and sociocultural factors, findings from high-income countries may not be directly transferable. Physiotherapists, as key members of multidisciplinary teams, play a vital role in addressing functional decline, with rehabilitation shown to improve independence and reduce costs [25]. This study therefore examined the clinical profile of geriatric outpatients managed by physiotherapists at the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, in order to generate locally relevant evidence to guide interventions, training, and policy.
Methods
Study design and setting
This study utilized a retrospective descriptive design to profile the clinical characteristics, functional status, and common conditions of geriatric outpatients managed by physiotherapists at the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta (FMCA), Ogun State, Nigeria. FMCA is a tertiary healthcare institution offering multidisciplinary medical and rehabilitative services. The Physiotherapy Department provides care through inpatient, outpatient, and specialized clinics, drawing patients from Abeokuta and nearby towns such as Ilaro, Owode, Sango-Otta, and parts of Lagos State.
Within the department, the Geriatric Physiotherapy Unit was established in accordance with the Medical Rehabilitation Therapists Board of Nigeria (MRTB) guidelines, which mandate the operation of core specialty units, including geriatrics, cardiopulmonary, neurology, and orthopaedics, for service delivery and professional training. The geriatric unit delivers targeted rehabilitation for older adults and operates twice weekly (Tuesdays and Fridays), attending to approximately 25–30 patients per week. The study covered a three-year period from January 2022 to March 2025 and utilized both physical patient records and entries from the hospital’s Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system.
Data sources and study population
Patient data were sourced from the outpatient physiotherapy booking registers and corroborated using the EMR system, which was fully adopted at FMCA in 2022. The study population consisted of adults aged 65 years and above who attended at least one outpatient rehabilitation session during the study period. Only outpatient cases were retrieved for this study; therefore, patients managed exclusively as inpatients were not part of the dataset. Records were excluded only if essential clinical data, such as diagnosis, were missing.
Ethical considerations
Ethical approval was obtained from the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta Health Research and Ethics Committee (FMCA/470/HREC). All data were anonymized prior to analysis. No patient identifiers were extracted, and data were handled in line with ethical standards for retrospective health records research.
Data analysis
Extracted data were transferred from Microsoft Excel into SPSS version 26 for Windows (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Descriptive statistics (frequencies, means, and standard deviations) were used to summarize the distribution of sociodemographic and clinical variables. To explore gender- and age-related patterns without overloading the table with data, cross-tabulations were performed using the three most prevalent conditions identified in the study population.
Results
A total of 160 patient records were initially retrieved from the Electronic Medical Records system. Following review, 12 records were excluded due to incomplete clinical or demographic data. The study included 148 older adults, comprising 79 females (53.4%) and 69 males (46.6%). Most participants were young-old (65–74 years, 62.2%), followed by middle-old (75–84 years, 27.7%) and old-old (≥85 years, 10.1%). Over half (56.8%) had no formal education, and Christianity was the predominant religion (73.0%). Regarding living arrangements, 63.5% lived with family, 23.6% with relatives, while 12.8% lived alone. Doctors accounted for most referrals (68.9%), with others referred by family (18.2%) or self (12.8%). Use of assistive devices was reported by 51.4% of participants. A total of 76 patients (51.4%) used assistive devices such as walking sticks, walkers, or wheelchairs (Table 1). Figure 1 shows the distribution of occupations held by geriatric outpatients prior to retirement.
Table 1.
Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of geriatric outpatients managed by physiotherapists at FMCA
| Variable | N (%) |
|---|---|
| Gender | |
| Female | 79 (53.4) |
| Male | 69 (46.6) |
| Age (years) | |
| 65–74 (Young-Old) | 92 (62.2) |
| 75–84 (Middle-Old) | 41 (27.7) |
| ≥ 85 (Old-Old) | 15 (10.1) |
| Education | |
| No formal education | 84 (56.8) |
| Formal education | 64 (43.2) |
| Religion | |
| Christian | 108 (73.0) |
| Muslim | 40 (27.0) |
| Living arrangement | |
| Alone | 19 (12.8) |
| Family | 94 (63.5) |
| Relatives | 35 (23.6) |
| Source of referral | |
| Doctor | 102 (68.9) |
| Family | 27 (18.2) |
| Self | 19 (12.8) |
| Use of assistive devices | |
| No | 72 (48.6) |
| Yes | 76 (51.4) |
Fig. 1.
Horizontal bar chart showing the distribution of occupations held by geriatric outpatients prior to retirement (n=128)
According to Table 2, Cerebrovascular accident (CVA) was the most common condition, affecting 59 patients (39.9%), with right-sided involvement in 32, left-sided in 22, and bilateral in 5. Knee osteoarthritis followed, affecting 30 patients (20.3%), predominantly bilateral in 23 cases. Lumbar spondylosis accounted for 24 cases (16.2%), while femoral fracture occurred in 7 patients (4.7%), mainly on the right side. Also from Table 2, other less frequent conditions were shoulder osteoarthritis, cervical spondylosis, Parkinson disease, and global hypertonicity (3 cases each), while single cases were seen for lumbar stenosis, lumbar herniation, radial fracture, Bell’s palsy, sciatic nerve palsy, spinal cord injury, lymphedema, vaginal prolapse, and burns.
Table 2.
Distribution of clinical conditions and site of involvement
| Condition |
N (%) |
Right side n (%) |
Left side n (%) |
Bilateral/Others n (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cerebrovascular accident | 59 (39.9) | 32 (21.6) | 22 (14.9) | 5 (3.4) bi-hemispheric |
| Lumbar spondylosis | 24 (16.2) | – | – | – |
| Lumbar stenosis | 1 (0.7) | – | – | – |
| Lumbar spondylolisthesis | 3 (2.0) | – | – | – |
| Lumbar herniation | 1 (0.7) | – | – | – |
| Knee osteoarthritis | 30 (20.3) | 6 (4.1) | 1 (0.7) | 23 (15.5); bilateral |
| Shoulder osteoarthritis | 3 (2.0) | 3 (2.0) | 0 | 0 |
| Cervical myelopathy | 2 (1.4) | – | – | 2 (1.4); paraparesis |
| Cervical spondylosis | 3 (2.0) | – | – | – |
| Traumatic brain injury | 2 (1.4) | – | – | – |
| Femoral fracture | 7 (4.7) | 5 (3.4) | 2 (1.3) | – |
| Radial fracture | 1 (0.7) | 0 | 1 (0.7) | – |
| Bell’s palsy | 2 (1.4) | 1 (0.7) | 1 (0.7) | – |
| Parkinson disease | 3 (2.0) | – | – | – |
| Global hypertonicity | 3 (2.0) | – | – | – |
| Sciatic nerve palsy | 1 (0.7) | 1 (0.7) | - | – |
| Spinal cord injury | 1 (0.7) | - | - | 1 (0.7); paraparesis |
| Lymphedema | 1 (0.7) | 1 (0.7) | - | – |
| Vaginal prolapse | 1 (0.7) | – | – | – |
| Burns | 1 (0.7) | – | – | – |
Among patients with single diagnoses (Fig. 2), CVA occurred in 50 individuals (33.8%), lumbar spondylosis in 20 (13.5%), and knee osteoarthritis in 12 (8.1%). The most frequently observed co-existing condition was CVA with knee osteoarthritis in 10 patients (6.8%), followed by lumbar spine disorder combined with knee osteoarthritis in 9 patients (6.1%). Two patients (1.4%) had triple diagnoses involving combinations such as knee osteoarthritis, lumbar spondylosis, and either cervical spondylosis or shoulder osteoarthritis.
Fig. 2.
Venn diagram showing the distribution and overlap of common clinical conditions managed among geriatric outpatients. The diagram includes all frequently observed conditions, while those with very low percentages/cases were excluded to enhance clarity. Numbers represent the number of patients presenting with each condition or combination
Table 3 shows the distribution of the three most common conditions, cerebrovascular accident (CVA), knee osteoarthritis, and lumbar spondylosis by age group and gender. CVA was most frequent in the 65 to 74 year age group (25.7%) and accounted for 24.3% of male cases. Knee osteoarthritis occurred most often in females (17.6%), especially within the 75 to 84 age group (9.5%). Lumbar spondylosis was more prevalent in the 65 to 74 age group (12.2%) and was also more frequent in females (9.5%).
Table 3.
Distribution of the three most prevalent conditions by age group and gender (N=148)
| Variables | CVA N (%) |
Knee OA N (%) |
Lumbar Spondylosis N (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age group (years) | |||
| 65–74 | 38 (25.7) | 11 (7.4) | 18 (12.2) |
| 75–84 | 16 (10.8) | 14 (9.5) | 5 (3.4) |
| 85 & above | 5 (3.4) | 5 (3.4) | 1 (0.7) |
| Gender | |||
| Female | 23 (15.5) | 26 (17.6) | 14 (17.7) |
| Male | 36 (24.3) | 4 (2.7) | 10 (6.8) |
CVA Cerebrovascular accident, OA Osteoarthritis
Discussion
This study examined the clinical and demographic characteristics of older adults receiving physiotherapy services, shedding light on prevalent health conditions. The findings highlight key trends in disease burden and functional limitations among older adults, offering valuable insight into the needs and priorities for physiotherapy services in this population. The gender distribution in this study showed a slight predominance of females, aligning with global demographic patterns that reflect greater female longevity [26, 27]. Globally, women have a survival advantage over men, with a 4 - 5-year gap in life expectancy at birth in 2019 [27]. According to the United Nations in 2020, women account for approximately 55% of the global population aged 65 years and older, and this proportion increases with age, rising to 61% among those aged 80 and above [28]. This trend is largely attributed to a combination of biological, behavioral, and social factors that confer a survival advantage to women. Biologically, women benefit from protective effects of estrogen on cardiovascular health [29], while behaviorally, they are more likely to engage in preventive healthcare and healthier lifestyles [30]. Socially, women often maintain stronger support networks, which can improve adherence to treatment and coping with chronic conditions [31]. Consequently, women with chronic diseases frequently experience lower mortality compared with men, who tend to have higher fatality rates from similar conditions [32].
The slightly higher proportion of female participants in our study reflects this broader demographic reality and underscores the need for gender-sensitive approaches in geriatric healthcare. For example, women are more likely to experience osteoporosis [33], osteoarthritis [34], and post-stroke functional limitations [35], which may require tailored physiotherapy programs focusing on balance training, fall prevention, and strength exercises targeting bone and joint health. In our clinical setting, this could involve routine screening for musculoskeletal weakness, individualized exercise prescriptions, and education on home-based fall prevention strategies, ensuring that interventions address the specific health risks and functional needs of older female patients.
Most participants in this study were aged 65–74 years, a group often described in gerontological literature as the “young-old” [36]. The predominance of this group in our study aligns with global demographic findings. According to a study, individuals aged 65–74 account for nearly 60% of the total population aged 65 and over in many low- and middle-income countries [37]. This finding is important because individuals classified as “young-old” are often in a transitional stage where early intervention can help delay or reduce the progression of disability and comorbidities [38]. In contrast, those over 75 years may have fewer opportunities to access therapies that could prevent or slow further functional decline [39].
Cerebrovascular accident (CVA), knee osteoarthritis (OA), and lumbar spondylosis were the most common conditions managed among geriatric outpatients, accounting for 39.9%, 20.3%, and 16.2% of cases, respectively. Stroke was the leading cause of physiotherapy referral, consistent with global and local evidence showing its high burden in older adults [40–42]. Studies in the U.S. and Nigeria confirm a higher stroke prevalence among adults aged 65 and above, with hypertension as a key risk factor [43]. A recent review found that over 70% of stroke cases in Nigeria occur in adults above 65 years [44].
Knee osteoarthritis (OA), observed in 20.3% of patients, is a key cause of disability among older adults. Globally, OA affects over 300 million people, with the knee as the most common site [45]. In Nigeria, knee OA prevalence among adults aged 65+ ranges from 13.4% to 22.7% [41]. Lumbar spondylosis, found in 16.2% of cases, is another age-related condition linked to functional decline. Studies report it affects up to 30% of adults over 65 [46]. Although osteoarthritis affects adults over 40 [45], including those above 75, differentiating the “oldest-old” in research remains important because this group often experiences unique patterns of disease severity, comorbidity burden, and functional limitations compared with younger older adults. Our study’s finding that 12.8% of participants above 75 had knee OA emphasizes that the oldest-old may face distinct clinical challenges, such as greater mobility restrictions, higher fall risk, and slower response to rehabilitation. Highlighting this subgroup makes OA research more clinically applicable, supporting the development of age-specific physiotherapy interventions that address the specific needs and functional outcomes of the oldest-old population.
Limitations
This study has several limitations. First, its retrospective design relied on the completeness and accuracy of medical records, which may have introduced data gaps or misclassification. Second, it was conducted in a single tertiary health centre, which limits the generalizability of the findings to broader populations, including those in primary care or rural settings. Third, functional outcomes and treatment responses were not captured due to the lack of follow-up data.
Conclusion
This study highlights the critical need for tailored physiotherapy services for older adults, particularly as the demographic landscape shifts towards an increasing proportion of elderly individuals. The predominance of the “young-old” presents an opportunity for early intervention to slow functional decline. The high rates of cerebrovascular accidents, knee osteoarthritis, and lumbar spondylosis highlight the need for physiotherapy tailored to age-related changes and chronic conditions. Musculoskeletal issues in those over 75 reveal gaps in research and service provision, emphasizing the importance of targeted, age-sensitive physiotherapy to maintain independence and quality of life in the oldest adults.
Acknowledgements
The Medical Director of Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, deserves sincere appreciation for facilitating the implementation of EMR at the centre. The utilization of EMR proved to be invaluable in our study. Additionally, we extend our gratitude to the Director and Deputy Directors of Physiotherapy at FMCA’s Physiotherapy Department for their valuable assistance.
Authors’ contributions
AOF and KO made substantial contributions to the conception and design of the study. OT, NK, BL, AS, EO, EMO, AFA, MA, OA and AA participated in the data collection on EMR. AOF analyzed and interpreted the data. AOF and EO revised the article critically for important intellectual content. The authors read and approved the final manuscript.
Funding
This study received no specific funding from any agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.
Data availability
No datasets were generated or analysed during the current study.
Declarations
Ethics approval and consent to participate
The study was approved by the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta Health Research and Ethics Committee (FMCA/470/HREC). Informed consent was obtained from the participants’ legal guardians, as this is a retrospective study involving the analysis of existing medical records. The study adhered to ethical standards regarding the confidentiality and anonymity of patient data. This study was performed in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki.
Consent for publication
Not applicable.
Competing interests
The authors declare no competing interests.
Footnotes
Publisher’s note
Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.
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Associated Data
This section collects any data citations, data availability statements, or supplementary materials included in this article.
Data Availability Statement
No datasets were generated or analysed during the current study.