This evidence theme is a summary of one of the key topics identified by a scoping review of rehabilitation, reablement, and restorative care research. If you need more information on this topic, try using the PubMed search below. We found nine reviews [2-11] on physical activity. The reviews addressed physical activity as both an intervention and outcome measure.
Physical activity as an intervention
Physical activity interventions for rehabilitation and reablement in aged care comprise exercise programs of varying activity types, goals, frequency, and duration. The evidence suggests that:
- Chair based resistance band exercises may be effective in improving physical function, sleep quality, and reducing depression for older people living in long-term care facilities. [2]
- The OTEGO exercise program may maintain and enhance postural control, [3] as well as improve physical function and health status in older people living in residential aged care. [4]
- Therapeutic exercises conducted on three or more days a week as a group may be effective to improve activities of daily living and cognitive function. [5] Multicomponent training, including resistance activities, may be effective in improving the physical performance of older adults in long-term care facilities. [6]
- When interpreting outcomes of physical activity interventions, the baseline characteristics of older people should be considered. Individuals with chronic conditions and mobility issues are less likely to demonstrate significant improvements in overall walking speed.
- The type of physical activity intervention and important parameters need to consider the specific needs of the older people receiving aged care across a range of settings. [7]
Barriers to physical activity among residents of long-term residential care have been categorised into individual, environmental, and organisational factors. [8]
- Individual barriers can include poor health, lack of energy, anxiety, agitation, use of sedatives, fear of falling, injury, and history of inactivity.
- Environmental barriers can include limited living space and lack of designated area for exercise and exercise equipment, inadequate lighting, insufficient signposting for residents (a problem for those with visual impairments), and lack of rest breaks.
- Organisational barriers include funding limitations and staffing constraints, lack of staff time to incorporate physical activity into residents' daily routine, lack of communication or handovers among staff, and lack of support from nurses, families, and doctors.
- Other barriers include a mismatch between the prescribed physical activity program and the resident’s needs and abilities.
Physical activity as an outcome
Physical activity is a common outcome used to measure the effectiveness or impact of a range of interventions. For example:
- Community participation among older people transitioning from hospital to home was assessed using physical activity. Specific measures include the Walking ABILICO questionnaire, Australian Therapy Outcome Measures (AusTOMs)-OT, and self-reported measures. [9]
- The effectiveness of eHealth geriatric rehabilitation interventions was assessed using physical activity levels. [10]
- Effectiveness of the Home Independence Program (HIP) or restorative home care service was assessed using levels of physical activity, specifically the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE). [11]
