Physical and social functional abilities seem to be maintained by a multifaceted randomized controlled nutritional intervention among old (> 65 years) Danish nursing home residents

Anne Marie Beck, K. Damkjær, L. W. Sorbye

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

Abstract

The purpose was to test the hypothesis that a multifaceted 1 1 weeks randomized controlled intervention would have a significant influence of functional abilities in old nursing home residents. Participants were 121 old (>65 years) residents in seven Danish nursing homes. The intervention consisted of nutrition (chocolate, homemade oral supplements), group exercise (moderate intensity) and oral care. Measurements taken were weight, body mass index (BMI), energy and protein intake, and functional abilities (activities of daily living = ADL, cognitive performance, and social engagement). The results showed that the nutrition and exercise were well accepted. After 11 weeks the change in % weight (1.3 vs. -0.6%, p = 0.005), % BMI (0.4 vs. -0.2%, p = 0.003), energy intake (0.7 vs. -0.3 MJ/day, p = 0.084) and protein intake (5 vs. -2 g/day, p = 0.012) was higher in the intervention group than in the control group. Also, after 11 weeks, social and physical function had decreased in the control group but was unchanged in the intervention group. The difference between groups was significant in relation to social engagement (p = 0.009). After the end of the intervention both groups had lost weight and physical function. Cognitive performance did not change, at any time. In conclusion, it seems possible to maintain social (and physical) functional abilities in old nursing home residents by means of a multifaceted intervention.
Original languageEnglish
JournalArchives of Gerontology and Geriatrics
Volume50
Issue number3
Pages (from-to)351-355
ISSN0167-4943
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2010

Keywords

  • Home made oral supplements
  • Nursing home
  • Moderate intensity group exercise
  • Chocolate
  • Oral care

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