Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in
Book cover

The Palgrave Handbook of Ageing and Physical Activity Promotion pp 359–380Cite as

Palgrave Macmillan

Promoting Physical Activity Among Older People in Long-Term Care Environments

  • Chapter
  • First Online:

  • 1243 Accesses

Abstract

Residents of long-term care (LTC) are extremely sedentary due to high levels of morbidity, frailty, functional limitation and cognitive impairment as well as barriers created by the environment, attitudes of both staff and residents towards activity and inflexible care routines. Multi-component exercise including resistance training, walking, balance and functional exercise appears to be safe and potentially beneficial in terms of increasing activity levels and maintaining functional ability. Interventions can be delivered either through structured exercise programmes or by integrating more activity into daily routines. Frequent, ongoing and tailored exercise aimed at residents’ preferences is likely to be optimal for adherence and effect.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.

Chapter
USD   29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD   139.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD   179.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD   249.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Learn about institutional subscriptions

References

  • Alessi, C. A., Yoon, E. J., Schnelle, J. F., Al-Samarrai, N. R., & Cruise, P. A. (1999). A randomized trial of a combined physical activity and environmental intervention in nursing home residents: Do sleep and agitation improve? Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 47(7), 784–791.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Baert, V., Gorus, E., Guldemont, N., De Coster, S., & Bautmans, I. (2015). Physiotherapists’ perceived motivators and barriers for organizing physical activity for older long-term care facility residents. Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, 16(5), 371–379. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jamda.2014.12.010.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Baert, V., Gorus, E., Calleeuw, K., De Backer, W., & Bautmans, I. (2016). An administrator’s perspective on the organization of physical activity for older adults in long-term care facilities. Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, 17(1), 75–84. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jamda.2015.08.011.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Barber, S. E., Forster, A., & Birch, K. M. (2015). Levels and patterns of daily physical activity and sedentary behavior measured objectively in older care home residents in the United Kingdom. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, 23(1), 133–143. https://doi.org/10.1123/japa.2013-0091.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Barreto Pde, S., Demougeot, L., Pillard, F., Lapeyre-Mestre, M., & Rolland, Y. (2015). Exercise training for managing behavioral and psychological symptoms in people with dementia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Ageing Research Reviews, 24(Pt B), 274–285. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arr.2015.09.001.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Baum, E. E., Jarjoura, D., Polen, A. E., Faur, D., & Rutecki, G. (2003). Effectiveness of a group exercise program in a long-term care facility: A randomized pilot trial. Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, 4(2), 74–80. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.JAM.0000053513.24044.6C.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Benjamin, K., Edwards, N., Guitard, P., Murray, M. A., Caswell, W., & Perrier, M. J. (2011). Factors that influence physical activity in long-term care: Perspectives of residents, staff, and significant others. Canadian Journal on Aging, 30(2), 247–258. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0714980811000080.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bruunsgaard, H., Bjerregaard, E., Schroll, M., & Pedersen, B. K. (2004). Muscle strength after resistance training is inversely correlated with baseline levels of soluble tumor necrosis factor receptors in the oldest old. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 52(2), 237–241.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Buckinx, F., Mouton, A., Reginster, J. Y., Croisier, J. L., Dardenne, N., Beaudart, C., et al. (2017). Relationship between ambulatory physical activity assessed by activity trackers and physical frailty among nursing home residents. Gait & Posture, 54, 56–61. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gaitpost.2017.02.010.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chen, Y.-M., & Li, Y.-P. (2014). Motivators for physical activity among ambulatory nursing home older residents. The Scientific World Journal, 2014, 7. https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/329397.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cheng, S. T., Chow, P. K., Song, Y. Q., Yu, E. C., Chan, A. C., Lee, T. M., et al. (2014). Mental and physical activities delay cognitive decline in older persons with dementia. American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 22(1), 63–74. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jagp.2013.01.060.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cheung, K. K. W., Au, K. Y., Lam, W. W. S., & Jones, A. Y. M. (2008). Effects of a structured exercise programme on functional balance in visually impaired elderly living in a residential setting. Hong Kong Physiotherapy Journal, 26(1), 45–50. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1013-7025(09)70007-7.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Choi, J. H., Moon, J. S., & Song, R. (2005). Effects of Sun-style Tai Chi exercise on physical fitness and fall prevention in fall-prone older adults. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 51(2), 150–157. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2648.2005.03480.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cichocki, M., Quehenberger, V., Zeiler, M., Adamcik, T., Manousek, M., Stamm, T., et al. (2015). Effectiveness of a low-threshold physical activity intervention in residential aged care – Results of a randomized controlled trial. Clinical Interventions in Aging, 10, 885–895. https://doi.org/10.2147/CIA.S79360.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Crocker, T., Forster, A., Young, J., Brown, L., Ozer, S., Smith, J., et al. (2013). Physical rehabilitation for older people in long-term care. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2, CD004294. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD004294.pub3.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • da Silva Borges, E. G., de Souza Vale, R. G., Cader, S. A., Leal, S., Miguel, F., Pernambuco, C. S., et al. (2014). Postural balance and falls in elderly nursing home residents enrolled in a ballroom dancing program. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, 59(2), 312–316. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.archger.2014.03.013.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Damush, T. M., & Damush, J. G., Jr. (1999). The effects of strength training on strength and health-related quality of life in older adult women. Gerontologist, 39(6), 705–710.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • de Bruin, E. D., & Murer, K. (2007). Effect of additional functional exercises on balance in elderly people. Clinical Rehabilitation, 21(2), 112–121. https://doi.org/10.1177/0269215506070144.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • de Souto Barreto, P., Morley, J. E., Chodzko-Zajko, W., Pitkala, K. H., Weening-Djiksterhuis, E., Rodriguez-Manas, L., et al. (2016). Recommendations on physical activity and exercise for older adults living in long-term care facilities: A taskforce report. Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, 17(5), 381–392. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jamda.2016.01.021.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • den Ouden, M., Kuk, N. O., Zwakhalen, S. M. G., Bleijlevens, M. H. C., Meijers, J. M. M., & Hamers, J. P. H. (2017). The role of nursing staff in the activities of daily living of nursing home residents. Geriatric Nursing, 38(3), 225–230. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gerinurse.2016.11.002.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dorner, T., Kranz, A., Zettl-Wiedner, K., Ludwig, C., Rieder, A., & Gisinger, C. (2007). The effect of structured strength and balance training on cognitive function in frail, cognitive impaired elderly long-term care residents. Aging Clinical and Experimental Research, 19(5), 400–405.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Faber, M. J., Bosscher, R. J., Chin, A. P. M. J., & van Wieringen, P. C. (2006). Effects of exercise programs on falls and mobility in frail and pre-frail older adults: A multicenter randomized controlled trial. Archives of Physical and Medical Rehabilitation, 87(7), 885–896. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2006.04.005.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fiatarone, M. A., O’Neill, E. F., Ryan, N. D., Clements, K. M., Solares, G. R., Nelson, M. E., et al. (1994). Exercise training and nutritional supplementation for physical frailty in very elderly people. New England Journal of Medicine, 330(25), 1769–1775. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJM199406233302501.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fien, S., Henwood, T., Climstein, M., & Keogh, J. W. (2016). Feasibility and benefits of group-based exercise in residential aged care adults: A pilot study for the GrACE programme. PeerJ, 4, e2018. https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.2018.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Frändin, K., Grönstedt, H., Helbostad, J. L., Bergland, A., Andresen, M., Puggaard, L., et al. (2016). Long-term effects of individually tailored physical training and activity on physical function, well-being and cognition in Scandinavian nursing home residents: A randomized controlled trial. Gerontology, 62(6), 571–580.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Franzke, B., Halper, B., Hofmann, M., Oesen, S., Pierson, B., Cremer, A., et al. (2015). The effect of six months of elastic band resistance training, nutritional supplementation or cognitive training on chromosomal damage in institutionalized elderly. Experimental Gerontology, 65, 16–22. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exger.2015.03.001.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Galik, E., Resnick, B., Hammersla, M., & Brightwater, J. (2014). Optimizing function and physical activity among nursing home residents with dementia: Testing the impact of function-focused care. Gerontologist, 54(6), 930–943. https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/gnt108.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gordon, A. L., Franklin, M., Bradshaw, L., Logan, P., Elliott, R., & Gladman, J. R. (2014). Health status of UK care home residents: A cohort study. Age and Ageing, 43(1), 97–103. https://doi.org/10.1093/ageing/aft077.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Grönstedt, H., Frändin, K., Bergland, A., Helbostad, J. L., Granbo, R., Puggaard, L., et al. (2013). Effects of individually tailored physical and daily activities in nursing home residents on activities of daily living, physical performance and physical activity level: A randomized controlled trial. Gerontology, 59(3), 220–229.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Heyn, P., Abreu, B. C., & Ottenbacher, K. J. (2004). The effects of exercise training on elderly persons with cognitive impairment and dementia: A meta-analysis. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 85(10), 1694–1704.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hinrichs, T., Bucker, B., Wilm, S., Klaassen-Mielke, R., Brach, M., Platen, P., et al. (2015). Adverse events in mobility-limited and chronically ill elderly adults participating in an exercise intervention study supported by general practitioner practices. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 63(2), 258–269. https://doi.org/10.1111/jgs.13253.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kerse, N., Peri, K., Robinson, E., Wilkinson, T., von Randow, M., Kiata, L., et al. (2008). Does a functional activity programme improve function, quality of life, and falls for residents in long term care? Cluster randomised controlled trial. BMJ, 337, a1445. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.a1445.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Koeneman, M. A., Chorus, A., Hopman-Rock, M., & Chinapaw, M. J. M. (2017). A novel method to promote physical activity among older adults in residential care: An exploratory field study on implicit social norms. BMC Geriatrics, 17, 8. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-016-0394-z.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lach, H. W., & Parsons, J. L. (2013). Impact of fear of falling in long term care: An integrative review. Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, 14(8), 573–577. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jamda.2013.02.019.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lazowski, D. A., Ecclestone, N. A., Myers, A. M., Paterson, D. H., Tudor-Locke, C., Fitzgerald, C., et al. (1999). A randomized outcome evaluation of group exercise programs in long-term care institutions. Journals of Gerontology Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences, 54(12), M621–M628.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lee, L. Y., Lee, D. T., & Woo, J. (2009). Tai Chi and health-related quality of life in nursing home residents. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 41(1), 35–43. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1547-5069.2009.01249.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • MacRae, P. G., Asplund, L. A., Schnelle, J. F., Ouslander, J. G., Abrahamse, A., & Morris, C. (1996). A walking program for nursing home residents: Effects on walk endurance, physical activity, mobility, and quality of life. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 44(2), 175–180. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1532-5415.1996.tb02435.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McMurdo, M. E., & Rennie, L. (1993). A controlled trial of exercise by residents of old people’s homes. Age and Ageing, 22(1), 11–15.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Meuleman, J. R., Brechue, W. F., Kubilis, P. S., & Lowenthal, D. T. (2000). Exercise training in the debilitated aged: Strength and functional outcomes. Archives of Physical and Medical Rehabilitation, 81(3), 312–318.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mouton, A., Gillet, N., Mouton, F., Van Kann, D., Bruyère, O., Cloes, M., & Buckinx, F. (2017). Effects of a giant exercising board game intervention on ambulatory physical activity among nursing home residents: A preliminary study. Clinical Interventions in Aging, 12, 847–858. https://doi.org/10.2147/CIA.S134760.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mulrow, C. D., Gerety, M. B., Kanten, D., Cornell, J. E., DeNino, L. A., Chiodo, L., et al. (1994). A randomized trial of physical rehabilitation for very frail nursing home residents. JAMA, 271(7), 519–524.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nordin, S., McKee, K., Wallinder, M., von Koch, L., Wijk, H., & Elf, M. (2016). The physical environment, activity and interaction in residential care facilities for older people: A comparative case study. Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences. https://doi.org/10.1111/scs.12391.

  • Ouslander, J. G., Griffiths, P., McConnell, E., Riolo, L., & Schnelle, J. (2005). Functional incidental training: Applicability and feasibility in the veterans affairs nursing home patient population. Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, 6(2), 121–127. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jamda.2005.01.004.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Peri, K., Kerse, N., Robinson, E., Parsons, M., Parsons, J., & Latham, N. (2008). Does functionally based activity make a difference to health status and mobility? A randomised controlled trial in residential care facilities (The Promoting Independent Living Study; PILS). Age and Ageing, 37(1), 57–63. https://doi.org/10.1093/ageing/afm135.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Phillips, L., & Flesner, M. (2013). Perspectives and experiences related to physical activity of elders in long-term-care settings. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, 21(1), 33–50. https://doi.org/10.1123/japa.21.1.33.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Resnick, B., Gruber-Baldini, A. L., Zimmerman, S., Galik, E., Pretzer-Aboff, I., Russ, K., et al. (2009). Nursing home resident outcomes from the Res-Care intervention. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 57(7), 1156–1165. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1532-5415.2009.02327.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rolland, Y., Pillard, F., Klapouszczak, A., Reynish, E., Thomas, D., Andrieu, S., et al. (2007). Exercise program for nursing home residents with Alzheimer’s disease: A 1-year randomized, controlled trial. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 55(2), 158–165. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1532-5415.2007.01035.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rosendahl, E., Lindelof, N., Littbrand, H., Yifter-Lindgren, E., Lundin-Olsson, L., Haglin, L., et al. (2006). High-intensity functional exercise program and protein-enriched energy supplement for older persons dependent in activities of daily living: A randomised controlled trial. The Australian Journal of Physiotherapy, 52(2), 105–113.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sackley, C., Wade, D. T., Mant, D., Atkinson, J. C., Yudkin, P., Cardoso, K., et al. (2006). Cluster randomized pilot controlled trial of an occupational therapy intervention for residents with stroke in UK care homes. Stroke, 37(9), 2336–2341. https://doi.org/10.1161/01.STR.0000237124.20596.92.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schnelle, J. F., Alessi, C. A., Simmons, S. F., Al-Samarrai, N. R., Beck, J. C., & Ouslander, J. G. (2002). Translating clinical research into practice: A randomized controlled trial of exercise and incontinence care with nursing home residents. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 50(9), 1476–1483.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schoenfelder, D. P., & Rubenstein, L. M. (2004). An exercise program to improve fall-related outcomes in elderly nursing home residents. Applied Nursing Research, 17(1), 21–31.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Senior, H. E., Henwood, T. R., Beller, E. M., Mitchell, G. K., & Keogh, J. W. L. (2015). Prevalence and risk factors of sarcopenia among adults living in nursing homes. Maturitas, 82(4), 418–423. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.maturitas.2015.08.006.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shakeel, S., Newhouse, I., Malik, A., & Heckman, G. (2015). Identifying feasible physical activity programs for long-term care homes in the Ontario context. Canadian Geriatrics Journal, 18(2), 73–104. https://doi.org/10.5770/cgj.18.158.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sherrington, C., Michaleff, Z. A., Fairhall, N., Paul, S. S., Tiedemann, A., Whitney, J., et al. (2016). Exercise to prevent falls in older adults: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis. British Journal of Sports Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2016-096547.

  • Telenius, E. W., Engedal, K., & Bergland, A. (2015). Effect of a high-intensity exercise program on physical function and mental health in nursing home residents with dementia: An assessor blinded randomized controlled trial. PLoS One, 10(5), e0126102. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0126102.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Theou, O., Stathokostas, L., Roland, K. P., Jakobi, J. M., Patterson, C., Vandervoort, A. A., & Jones, G. R. (2011). The effectiveness of exercise interventions for the management of frailty: A systematic review. Journal of Aging Research, 2011, 19. https://doi.org/10.4061/2011/569194

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tudor-Locke, C., Hart, T. L., & Washington, T. L. (2009). Expected values for pedometer-determined physical activity in older populations. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 6(1), 59. https://doi.org/10.1186/1479-5868-6-59.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Underwood, M., Lamb, S. E., Eldridge, S., Sheehan, B., Slowther, A. M., Spencer, A., et al. (2013). Exercise for depression in elderly residents of care homes: A cluster-randomised controlled trial. Lancet, 382(9886), 41–49. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(13)60649-2.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • US Department of Health and Human Services. (2017). What is long term care. Retrieved from https://longtermcare.acl.gov/the-basics/what-is-long-term-care.html

  • Vankova, H., Holmerova, I., Machacova, K., Volicer, L., Veleta, P., & Celko, A. M. (2014). The effect of dance on depressive symptoms in nursing home residents. Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, 15(8), 582–587. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jamda.2014.04.013.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Weeks, L., Profit, S., Campbell, B., Graham, H., Chircop, A., & Sheppard-LeMoine, D. (2008). Participation in physical activity: Influences reported by seniors in the community and in long-term care facilities. Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 34(7), 36–43. https://doi.org/10.3928/00989134-20080701-11.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Whitney, J., Close, J., Lord, S., & Jackson, S. (2011). Do carers accurately estimate activity in care home residents? Age and Ageing, 40(Suppl 1), i53.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Clinical Age Research Unit, King’s College Hospital, Cheyne Wing, London, UK

    Julie Whitney

Authors
  1. Julie Whitney
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Bournemouth University, Poole, United Kingdom

    Samuel R. Nyman

  2. Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

    Anna Barker

  3. Department of Physiotherapy, Monash University, Frankston, Victoria, Australia

    Terry Haines

  4. School of Health Sciences, City, University of London, London, United Kingdom

    Khim Horton

  5. Centre for Innovative Ageing, Swansea University, Swansea, United Kingdom

    Charles Musselwhite

  6. Global Brain Health Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland

    Geeske Peeters

  7. College of Health and Life Sciences, Brunel University, Uxbridge, United Kingdom

    Christina R. Victor

  8. Institute of Psychogerontology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Nuremberg, Germany

    Julia Katharina Wolff

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2018 The Author(s)

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Whitney, J. (2018). Promoting Physical Activity Among Older People in Long-Term Care Environments. In: Nyman, S., et al. The Palgrave Handbook of Ageing and Physical Activity Promotion. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-71291-8_18

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-71291-8_18

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-71290-1

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-71291-8

  • eBook Packages: Social SciencesSocial Sciences (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation