Date of Award

2013

Document Type

Thesis - ECU Access Only

Publisher

Edith Cowan University

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science (Occupational Therapy) Honours

School

School of Exercise and Health Sciences

Faculty

Faculty of Health, Engineering and Science

First Supervisor

Dr Janet Richmond

Second Supervisor

Professor Ruth Marquis

Abstract

Abstract

A notable trend towards elderly people needing residential aged care requires therapists to determine what can be done to enhance positive resident outcomes.

Objective

This systematic review aimed to identify the effects of activity based interventions on the health and wellbeing of people in residential aged care facilities.

Method

Databases CINAHL, MEDLINE and PsycINFO were searched. A meta-analysis of the studies was not possible due to insufficient data, and few randomised control trials.

Results

Seven articles encompassing 743 participants across 136 residential aged care facilities met the inclusion criteria. Studies assessed the effects of resident activity levels or described the effects of activity-based interventions on residents’ health and wellbeing.

Conclusion

Activity participation and activity-based interventions do have positive effects on residents of residential aged care facilities including improved wellbeing, increased everyday function, greater life satisfaction and longer duration of night-time sleep, although the paucity of literature, indicates the need for further high-quality research in this area.

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