Therapeutic recreation as an intervention for persons with dementia and agitation: An efficacy study

Abstract

Thirty-six long term care residents with dementia and agitation were selected for participation in this eight week study. During the eight week period, the participants received two different four week therapeutic recreation interventions in a clinical crossover design. These interventions included a sensorimotor program and a traditional activity program. The effects of these two programs were evaluated in terms of the effect on strength, flexibility, overall functioning, and agitation. The analysis showed that there was a significant improvement of grip strength, flexibility, and a reduction in agitation during the sensorimotor segment of the treatment. The results of this study indicate a new direction for therapeutic recreation specialists working with older adults with dementia and agitation.

Effective behavioral interventions for decreasing dementia-related challenging behavior in nursing homes

“…Buettner and colleagues emphasize person±environment interactions and thorough developmental assessment of the residents' functional abilities. Although Buettner (1998) included a traditional activities program comparison group, a major limitation of her study is that she failed to equate the number of residents attending the traditional and NDSP activities groups. Additionally, generalization of the positive impact of NDSP activities to the nursing unit was not demonstrated.…”

“…Based on a case study of the responses of an 80-year-old woman with dementia to traditional versus developmentally based therapeutic activities, Buettner (1995Buettner ( , 1998) compared a traditional activities program consisting of sensory stimulation, ceramics, bingo, orientation, exercise and music therapies to a Neurodevelopmental Sequencing Program (Buettner, 1988;Buettner et al, 1990). The NDSP involved residents in small groups (eg no more than four residents), functionally matched sensory air mat therapy, exercise, sensory cooking and sensory special events using specialized equipment to promote movement and success experiences.…”

“…Treatments were provided for 8 weeks, with all residents participating in both therapeutic treatment programs. Buettner (1998) measured agitation by nursing sta reports (eg CMAI) and research assistant observation. Results indicated that participants in the NDSP group showed signi®cant gains in right and left grip strength and¯exibility and decreased agitation during therapeutic activities.…”

Making Sense(s) in Dementia

“…Those have reported improvements in strength and flexibility 24 , physical activity, mood 13 and a reduction of agitation 24 after program implementation. However, these studies fell short in offering guidance regarding engagement strategies during the activity programs 25 , hindering their replication.…”

“…There are few studies which have combined MSS and MS approaches in structured group activity programs for people with dementia 7,13,24 . Those have reported improvements in strength and flexibility 24 , physical activity, mood 13 and a reduction of agitation 24 after program implementation.…”