WHEN AND HOW I WANT: FEASIBILITY AND EFFECTS OF EMBEDDING PHYSICAL ACTIVITY INTO NURSING HOME CARE

Abstract

Physical activity (PA) is essential to maintaining health into older age. However, older adults living in nursing homes (NHs) remain highly inactive. This study tested the feasibility of a PA programme embedded into NH care and its potential effects on older adults’ function and quality of life (QOL). A cluster-randomised controlled pilot feasibility study, including qualitative and economic components, was conducted. Intervention participants (n=18) performed Morning Movement (morning-time walking and sit-to-stand exercises) and Activity Bursts (bouts of activity throughout the day in standing), 3 times weekly for 12-weeks. Participants in the control NH (n=16) received usual care. At baseline and 12-weeks, feasibility and economic data were collected, function was measured using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) and 10-Metre Walk Test (10MWT) and QOL was measured with the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) and Investigating Choice Experiments for the Preferences of Older People-CAPability (ICECAP-O). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with staff and participants at mid- and post-intervention and analysed thematically. The PA programme was acceptable to staff and participants and study procedures were feasible. Mean TUG improved by 10.2 (±21.6) seconds in the intervention group and was unchanged -0.2 (9.5) seconds in the control group (95% confidence interval of between-group difference in improvement -2.5 to 23.3 seconds). 10MWT scores stayed stable in the intervention group and disimproved in the control group. ICECAP-O and NHP scores were unchanged. While this study contained a small sample, it demonstrated a feasible, acceptable and potentially effective NH PA intervention and provides guidance for a definitive trial.