Article

The purpose of this study was to test the effects of a 6-month
Wheelchair-bound Senior Elastic Band (WSEB) exercise program on the activities of
daily living (ADL) and functional fitness of wheelchair-bound older adults with cognitive impairment. DESIGN: Cluster randomized controlled trial was used.
A convenience sample of 138 wheelchair-bound older adults with cognitive impairment
were recruited from 8 nursing homes in southern Taiwan and were randomly assigned
based on the nursing homes they lived to the experimental
(4 nursing homes; n = 73) or the control group (4 nursing homes; n = 65). The experimental group
performed WSEB exercises 3 times per week and 40 minutes per session for 6
months. The ADL and functional fitness (cardiopulmonary function, body
flexibility, range of joint motion, and muscle strength and endurance) were
examined at baseline, 3 months, and the end of 6-month study. RESULTS: The ADL
and functional fitness indicators of participants in the experimental group
showed significant improvements compared to the control group (all P < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: The WSEB exercises have positive benefits for the ADL and functional
fitness of wheelchair-bound older adults with cognitive impairment. It is
suggested that WSEB exercises be included as a routine activity in nursing homes.
TO CLAIM CME CREDITS: Complete the self-assessment activity and evaluation online
at http://www.physiatry.org/JournalCMECME OBJECTIVES:: Upon completion of this
article the reader should be able to: (1) Understand the risk factors for
functional decline in older adults with dementia ; (2) Articulate the benefits of
structured activities and exercises in the older adult with dementia; and (3)
Incorporate elastic band exercises into the treatment plan of wheelchair bound
older adults with dementia. LEVEL: Advanced
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Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians. The
Association of Academic Physiatrists designates this activity for a maximum of
1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s). Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Langue : ANGLAIS