Abstract
Background: Physical activity has many benefits for older people but there is limited good quality evidence evaluating the benefits for individuals with a dementia, in particular those living in residential accommodation (Forbes et al. 2013).
Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate evidence about the effect of physical activity on health outcomes for individuals living with a dementia in residential accommodation.
Method: The studies reviewed were retrieved from searching a range of academic databases and evaluated using Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools.
Findings: A total of research 20 studies were retrieved and critically reviewed. The quality of studies varied widely, including the methods, type of intervention and outcome measures used. Many studies were multi-component exercise programs, though the actual activities and parameters of each program varied greatly. Outcome measures most commonly considered were cognition (n=13), physical ability (n=8), functional ability (n=5) and/or mood (n=5). There were positive effects associated with the uptake of physical activity by individuals living with a dementia in residential accommodation, such as improvement in physical ability (6m walking speed: 0.33 to 0.65 m/sec in two studies), functional ability (Barthel Index: 34 to 42 in one study) and cognitive ability (Clock Drawing Test: 3.5 to 4.1 in one study). Limitations of the studies included small sample size, short duration and lack of detail about the study design.
Conclusion: Further research is required to improve the quality of study design and provide evidence to support and enhance the current findings to enable professionals working in this area to implement successful physical activity programs. The results from this literature review are informing the physical activity intervention implemented and evaluated as part of a PhD study undertaken by the first author for individuals with a dementia in residential accommodation.
Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate evidence about the effect of physical activity on health outcomes for individuals living with a dementia in residential accommodation.
Method: The studies reviewed were retrieved from searching a range of academic databases and evaluated using Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools.
Findings: A total of research 20 studies were retrieved and critically reviewed. The quality of studies varied widely, including the methods, type of intervention and outcome measures used. Many studies were multi-component exercise programs, though the actual activities and parameters of each program varied greatly. Outcome measures most commonly considered were cognition (n=13), physical ability (n=8), functional ability (n=5) and/or mood (n=5). There were positive effects associated with the uptake of physical activity by individuals living with a dementia in residential accommodation, such as improvement in physical ability (6m walking speed: 0.33 to 0.65 m/sec in two studies), functional ability (Barthel Index: 34 to 42 in one study) and cognitive ability (Clock Drawing Test: 3.5 to 4.1 in one study). Limitations of the studies included small sample size, short duration and lack of detail about the study design.
Conclusion: Further research is required to improve the quality of study design and provide evidence to support and enhance the current findings to enable professionals working in this area to implement successful physical activity programs. The results from this literature review are informing the physical activity intervention implemented and evaluated as part of a PhD study undertaken by the first author for individuals with a dementia in residential accommodation.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Number of pages | 1 |
| Publication status | Published - Nov 2014 |
| Externally published | Yes |
| Event | 47th AAG National Conference - Adelaide Oval, Adelaide, Australia Duration: 26 Nov 2014 → 28 Nov 2014 |
Conference
| Conference | 47th AAG National Conference |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | Australia |
| City | Adelaide |
| Period | 26/11/14 → 28/11/14 |