PRELIMINARY EFFICACY OF AN OT INTERVENTION TO PREVENT FUNCTIONAL DECLINE AMONG OLDER ADULTS WITH CHRONIC DISEASES
2024

Occupational Therapy Intervention to Help Older Adults with Chronic Diseases

Sample size: 40 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Arias Dalmina, Mirza Mansha, Fischer Heidi

Primary Institution: University of Illinois at Chicago

Hypothesis

Can an occupational therapy intervention prevent functional decline among older adults with chronic diseases?

Conclusion

The study found that an occupational therapy intervention may help improve physical functioning in older adults with chronic diseases.

Supporting Evidence

  • The intervention group showed a significant improvement in physical functioning.
  • 80% of older adults have two or more chronic conditions.
  • Poor management of chronic diseases can lead to functional decline.

Takeaway

This study tested a program to help older people with chronic diseases feel better and move better, and it showed some positive results.

Methodology

A 2-arm parallel RCT with a 12-week program including assessments and intervention sessions.

Limitations

The study is preliminary and requires larger trials for confirmation.

Participant Demographics

Community-dwelling adults aged 55 and over, mean age 67, with diabetes or heart disease.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.04

Confidence Interval

95% CI [-1.5, -0.17]

Statistical Significance

p=0.04

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.4050

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