Dysmobility in Geriatrics: Conceptualisation, Clinical Approach, and Aging Theory

This book proposes a way of understanding human movement and its forms of deterioration and preservation in older people. The author presents a method to diagnose motor problems, to implement effective both preventive and therapeutic measures, and to compare the results with those of other clinicians and health centres. 

It is a conceptual and practical book at the same time. From the redefinition of the classic geriatric syndrome of Immobility, a concept of deep clinical interest is developed: Dysmobility. Moreover, a specially developed methodology is delivered to maximise the benefits for the patient, clinicians, and caregivers. Both the concepts and the methodology are discussed in a clear, precise, and practical manner to be applied in the daily clinical practice in Geriatrics.

Dysmobility is defined in its three diagnostic axes, including the official updated version of D-STAGING (known as ETADI in Spanish), the motor continuum staging that revolutionised the clinic with its advent. Additionally, the requirements and criteria necessary for its correct application and use are explained conceptually step by step, and practically with clinical cases. Along with this, the new possibilities that arise from this conceptualisation and methodology are addressed, particularly in the field of comparative medicine and clinical research. Finally, the bases of a new theory of aging, the Movement-Time theory or theory of Dysmobility, are presented.

This work will support physicians from different medical specialties, such as geriatricians, physiatrists, family doctors, geriatric dentists, and health professionals from the interdisciplinary team like gerontologists, nurses, kinesiologists/physiotherapists, psychologists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, nutritionists and social workers. It will also be of interest to students of health-related professions, resident physicians for different specialties, and researchers in mobility and rehabilitation.