Successful rehab thanks to social networks

Rehabilitation success largely conditioned by the social networks of patients.

12/10/2012

Rehabilitation treatments work better with the help of friends and family. Support from one's own social network, especially from family members, has a significant impact on the success of rehab treatment, according to a recent study by the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg Institute for Rehabilitation Medicine.

The scientists around institute director Professor dr. Wilfried Mau from the University of Halle-Wittenberg have found in their current study that well-functioning social networks significantly influence the success of rehab treatment. The investigations have shown, „that with the size of the family network, the physical quality of life of the rehabilitated person as well as his sports activities increase and the return to work is strengthened“, reports the University Hospital Halle-Wittenberg.

In the study, researchers looked at possible relationships between rehabilitation success and the social network in about 300 patients with musculoskeletal disorders. The subjects were on average 46 years old and 45 percent were female. At the beginning and the end of the rehab after three months, the study participants filled each „Questionnaires on the social network and social support as well as on health-related behaviors“, This is the message from the University Hospital Halle-Wittenberg.

The evaluation of the data has shown that rehab patients primarily define their children, spouses and relatives, friends, parents, siblings and other relatives as well as work colleagues as part of their personal social network. The most important caregiver for 75 percent of respondents was their spouse or partner. The current study shows that with the size of the family network, the physical quality of life of the rehabilitated person as well as his sports activities increase and the return to gainful employment is strengthened, reports the University Hospital Halle-Wittenberg.

Family and friends have a significant impact on nutrition and physical activity. Eating the caregivers mostly healthy, it also helps the patient easier. However, changes in physical activity often require hands-on support from relatives and friends - even though this may be just taking on domestic responsibilities so patients have time for their sports group. The Rehab Clinic recommends study leader Professor Dr. med. To integrate the social network of the patients more intensively than before into the rehabilitation process and to inform the related persons about the rehab. According to the expert must „Doctors and therapists show their relatives, partners and friends their significant role“, to improve the chances of success of the rehabilitation. (Fp)

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Picture: Rainer Sturm