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Recreational Therapy to Promote Mobility in Long-Term Care: A Scoping Review.

Journal of aging and physical activity
January 1, 1970
Yijian Yang et al. (6 authors)
Journal ArticleResearch Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tScoping ReviewHuman Study
Study Details

Study Goal

The researchers aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of recreational therapy programs, including walking, in improving mobility outcomes (e.g., balance, functional performance, fall incidence) for older adults in long-term care.

Results Summary

The study found that walking, along with other recreational activities like tai chi and dancing, improved flexibility, functional mobility, and balance in older adults, with strong to moderate evidence from randomized controlled studies. Program implementation was facilitated by clear instruction, encouragement, and minimal equipment.

Population

Older adults in long-term care.

Effective Dosage

Not specified

Duration

Not specified

Interactions

None mentioned

Extracted Claims (13)
InterventionDirectionEndpointPopulationDosageImpactClaim #
tai chi programs
increase
flexibility
older adults in long-term care
-
improve
#1
tai chi programs
increase
functional mobility
older adults in long-term care
-
improve
#2
tai chi programs
increase
balance
older adults in long-term care
-
improve
#3
walking
increase
flexibility
older adults in long-term care
-
improve
#4
walking
increase
functional mobility
older adults in long-term care
-
improve
#5
walking
increase
balance
older adults in long-term care
-
improve
#6
dancing
increase
flexibility
older adults in long-term care
-
improve
#7
dancing
increase
functional mobility
older adults in long-term care
-
improve
#8
dancing
increase
balance
older adults in long-term care
-
improve
#9
ball games
increase
flexibility
older adults in long-term care
-
improve
#10
ball games
increase
functional mobility
older adults in long-term care
-
improve
#11
ball games
increase
balance
older adults in long-term care
-
improve
#12
recreational therapy programs
increase
mobility
older adults in long-term care
-
elucidated the benefit of
#13
Abstract

The objective of this study was to explore and synthesize evidence on the effectiveness and implementation of recreational therapy programs to enhance mobility outcomes (e.g., balance, functional performance, fall incidence) for older adults in long-term care. The authors conducted a scoping review of 66 studies following the PRISMA guidelines. Two independent reviewers evaluated each article, and a third reviewer resolved discrepancies. Randomized controlled studies provided strong to moderate evidence that tai chi programs, walking, dancing, and ball games improve flexibility, functional mobility, and balance. Studies assessing program implementation highlighted that program delivery was facilitated by clear instruction, encouragement, attendance documentation, and minimal equipment. This review elucidated the benefit of recreational therapy programs on mobility. It also identified the need for customized programs based on individuals' interests and their physical and mental abilities. These findings and recommendations will assist practitioners in designing effective and feasible recreational therapy programs for long-term care.

Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
Accidental FallsAgedHealth PromotionHumansLong-Term CareRecreation TherapyTai JiWalking
Study Links
Quality Scores
SafetyNot Assessed
Efficacy85/10
Quality90/10
Citation Metrics
Total Citations8
Citations/Year2.0
Relative Citation Ratio1.37
NIH Percentile61.8%
Research Impact Scores
APT Score0.50
Weight Score1.75
Normalized Score0.72
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