Development and Effects of a Physical Activity Promotion Programs for Elderly Patients Hospitalized in Long-term Care Hospital

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop a physical activity promotion program and identify it's effects on physical fitness, fall efficacy, vitality, happiness, and adaptation for older adults hospitalized in long-term care hospital.Methods: The research design was a quasi-experimental, nonequivalence control group design. Older adults in long-term care hospitals were assigned to the experimental (n=28) or control group (n=27). The experimental group received a 12-week program consisting of total of 60 sessions, 5 times a week for 20-40 minutes per day.Results: The homogeneity test for the participant physical performance showed no statistically significant differences between the two groups. There were a statistical significant differences between the two groups in muscular strength (Right t=13.81, <i>p</i>=.001, Left t=48.91, <i>p</i>=.001), muscle endurance (t=99.50, <i>p</i>=.001), cardiopulmonary endurance (t=50.12, <i>p</i>=.001), coordination (t=-7.94, <i>p</i>=.001), balance existed (t=-4.84, <i>p</i>=.001), flexibility (t=20.23, <i>p</i>=.001), fall efficacy (t=6.06, <i>p</i>=001), vitality (t=7.01, <i>p</i>=.001) and happiness (t=3.95, <i>p</i>=.001). There was no significant statistical difference between the experimental group and the control group for adaptation (t=0.74, <i>p</i>=.460).Conclusion: The results of this research supports the use of the physical activity promotion program developed in this research as a physical activity and happiness promoting program for older adults in long-term care hospital.