A Comparison of Functional Outcomes Following a Physical Activity Intervention for Frail Older Adults in Personal Care Homes

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of 2 consecutive 10-week exercise interventions for increasing functional ability of residents living in personal care homes (PCHs). Methods: Residents in 2 intervention homes (n = 15) participated in a series of exercise classes followed by a walking program. Residents living in 2 PCHs matched for demographic and environmental variables served as controls (n = 15). Pre- and post-test measures (0 weeks and 21 weeks) included the Modified Barthel Index (MBI), the Tinetti Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA), and the Functional Reach Test (FRT). A General Linear Model was used to analyze group (control vs. intervention) by time (0 vs. 21 weeks) interactions as well as changes over time within the intervention group (0 vs. 10 vs. 21 weeks). Results: In comparing the 2 groups at the beginning and end of the intervention, the POMA Balance Subscale showed significant improvement (p = .04) for the intervention group. Within the intervention group, scores of the MBI and POMA increased after the 10-week exercise class series, then declined exhibiting a significant quadratic relationship (p = .03). Conclusions: It is likely that without the intervention, the gradual decline noted in the control group would have occurred in the intervention group as well. Given that older adults who live in PCHs often experience declines in their activities of daily living (ADL) and independent activities of daily living (IADL) performance, it is critical that physical activity programs be available to residents to mitigate and/or reverse these declines.