Artikel
Linking research, program development, policy and practice. An example of this link: an innovative physical activity program for disabled wheelchair-bound nursing home residents
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Autoren
Veröffentlicht: | 18. Dezember 2006 |
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Gliederung
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Background
Maintaining stance facilitates daily functioning in disabled older adults.
Objectives
- 1.
- Demonstrate the feasibility of an innovative program of group physical activity using a standing-support device (SSD), targeted towards transfer- and stance-disabled older adult residents of a nursing home.
- 2.
- Assess the impact of this program in reducing physical impairment (primarily in muscle strength and joint range of motion) and improving overall functional performance.
Methods
Eight-week observational period, followed by twelve-week intervention of group physical activity performed while standing in a SSD. Participants were thirteen long term care residents, mean±SD age 82±11, range 57-102, unable to transfer or stand independently. Measurements included muscle strength, joint range of motion, forward and lateral reach, time to stand independently, distance walked with a walker, and the FIM (Functional Independence Measure).
Results
Compared to the observational period, significant post-intervention musculoskeletal improvements were noted particularly in lower extremity strength. Post-intervention improvements in the FIM were noted as well, particularly in sphincter control, locomotion, mobility, motor score, and total score. Over 60% of those previously requiring assistance in standing became able to stand unassisted for an average of one minute and walk an average of 14 meters with a walker.
Conclusion
A pilot program of physical activity using an SSD is feasible in selected stance-disabled older adult long term nursing home residents. Participants showed evidence of muscle strength and functional improvement. Future studies should consider a randomized controlled trial of the SSD device with careful targeting of residents and with a concurrent examination of health care costs, functional improvement, and staff burden.