Impact of Activity Program on Elderly in Care Homes
Author Information
Author(s): Ngaire Kerse, Kathy Peri, Elizabeth Robinson, Tim Wilkinson, Martin von Randow, Liz Kiata, John Parsons, Nancy Latham, Matthew Parsons, Jane Willingale, Paul Brown, Bruce Arroll
Primary Institution: University of Auckland
Hypothesis
Does a functional activity programme improve function, quality of life, and falls for residents in long term care?
Conclusion
A functional rehabilitation programme had minimal impact for elderly people in residential care with normal cognition but was not beneficial for those with poor cognition.
Supporting Evidence
- The programme had no impact overall on function, quality of life, or falls.
- Residents with normal cognition in the intervention group maintained overall function better than those in the control group.
- Residents with cognitive impairment showed an increase in depressive symptoms in the intervention group.
Takeaway
The study looked at whether a special activity program could help older people in care homes feel better and move better, but it didn't really work.
Methodology
Cluster randomised controlled trial with one year follow-up involving 41 residential care homes in New Zealand.
Potential Biases
Some staff or residents unblinded the assessors during follow-up, potentially affecting the results.
Limitations
Low compliance with the activity recommendations and potential adverse effects on residents with impaired cognition.
Participant Demographics
Participants were 682 residents aged 65 years or over, with a mean age of 84 years, and 74% were women.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.024
Statistical Significance
p=0.024
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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