Effects of 12‐month exercise intervention on physical and cognitive functions of nursing home residents requiring long‐term care: a non‐randomised pilot study

Abstract

Aims We performed a 12‐month exercise intervention for ‘nursing home for the elderly’ residents requiring long‐term care. We evaluated changes in their muscular strength, muscle mass, and cognitive function. Methods Thirty‐seven nursing home residents (Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE): 14.7 ± 7.0, Barthel Index: 44.2 ± 18.9) were enrolled. We divided the participants into the exercise intervention group (n = 19) and non‐intervention group (n = 18) ensuring no significant difference in the participants' characteristics at baseline. For the exercise intervention group, exercise was performed for about 40 min twice a week for 12 months. Skeletal Mass Index and grip force were determined to evaluate muscle mass and muscle strength, respectively. MMSE, Trail Making Test (TMT) part A, and Geriatric Depression Scale 15 (GDS15) were used for cognitive function evaluation, with their changes investigated. Results After 12 months, the MMSE scores were significantly improved in the exercise intervention group compared with the non‐intervention group (change from baseline to 12 months: Non‐intervention: −1.0 ± 2.8, Intervention: 1.2 ± 3.0; P = 0.04). Moreover, the grip force of the dominant arm was significantly improved in the exercise intervention group compared with the non‐intervention group (change from baseline to 12 months: Non‐intervention: −1.3 ± 2.8 kg, Intervention: 1.4 ± 4.6 kg; P = 0.007). The prevalence of sarcopenia was significantly increased after 12 months compared with baseline in the non‐intervention group (Non‐intervention: 61.1% → 75.0%, Intervention: 77.8% → 71.4%; P < 0.02). There were no significant changes in GDS15, Barthel Index and TMT after 12 months in intervention and non‐intervention groups. Conclusion Exercise intervention may be effectively used for improving the physical and cognitive functions of nursing home residents requiring long‐term care.

Prediction of physiological state, cognition, sensory function, and biomarkers for frailty in patients aged 55 years or more with schizophrenia

“…The results revealed that, compared with single interventions, multifaceted interventions produced better outcomes for the improvement of physical function and muscle strength. Tsugawa et al ( 2020 ) studied the cognitive status of older care home residents in relation to exercises; the results indicated that the exercise can effectively improve the cognitive function of care home residents in need of long‐term nursing. Currently, the number of studies on frailty in patients with schizophrenia is limited.…”