Citation

Rabinovich BA, Cohen-Mansfield J. Activ. Adapt. Aging 1992; 16(4): 89-98.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1992, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1300/J016v16n04_07

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

While structured activities are sometimes provided for elderly nursing home residents, their influence on ag~tation (e.g., aggressive behavior, wandering, etc.) is unknown. This study evalu- ated the effectiveness of one behavioral intervention for agitation: participation in a structured recreational activity. It examined wheth- er participation or the mere presence during a structured activity affected level of agitation. Subjects were thirteen residents of an Alzheimer's unit of a 550- bed nursing home. Their mean age was 81 years. Subjects were videotaped before, during, and after activity time. Level of agitation was obtained for the three activity segments for seven residents who participated in the activities and for six residents who did not parlicipate, but were present in the room. Activilies included those that involved handling a large beach ball or exercising arms and legs. Although statistical analyses did not reveal any differences in agitation for the activity segments or for the groups, Ule mean level of agitation was lower for the activity segments than for the pre- activity segments or the post-activity segments. Other studies that employ larger sample sizes and examine the influence of other activ- ities on agitated behavior would help clarify whether participation in activities impacts on agitated behavior.