Effect of group exercise on anthropometry, nutritional status and health related quality of life of older persons living in aged care homes within the eThekwini Municipality.
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Date
2014
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Abstract
Introduction: Globally, the prevalence of chronic disease is on the increase with cardiovascular
disease being the leading cause of death. Worldwide the proportion of older persons aged 60 years
and older is also increasing. The elderly within institutionalised setting are often neglected, with
the probability of poor nutrition being highly prevalent. Increasing in age and visceral fat coupled
with a lack of structured exercise results in inflammatory and pro-inflammatory processes,
contributing to the deterioration of physical and physiological functioning. In the context of the
elderly living in aged care homes, health related quality of life is defined as their functional status
and independence in engaging in activities of daily living. Little is known about the effect of
group based exercise and its relation to anthropometry, nutritional status and health related quality
of life among the elderly living in aged care homes within the eThekwini central business district
(CBD).
Aim: The aim of the study was to establish the effect of group exercises in relation to
anthropometry, nutritional status and health related quality of life of older persons living in age
care homes in the eThekwini central business district.
Methodology: A quasi-experimental design was used to compare the effect of a 12 week group
exercise programme on two groups of participants using pre-test and post-test procedures. A total
of 100 participants selected from five aged care homes. Twenty participants from each of the five
facilities were randomly selected through convenient sampling. From the 20 participants, ten
participants were randomly assigned to Group A –experimental group and 10 in Group Bobserved
group. Group A exercise three times a week and group B exercise two times a week for
12 weeks. Group based 12 weeks exercise intervention was implemented for both groups.
Anthropometrical indices investigated included sum of skinfold, waist circumference, waist to hip
ratio and BMI. MNA-SF, SF-36 questionnaires were used before and after the exercise
intervention to determine nutritional status and health related quality of life respectively. Data was
analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Science Version 18.0 (SPSS) for Windows
software. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. A paired t-test and
independent t-test was used to analyse parametric data. Wilcoxon signed rank test and Mann
Whitney U test was used to analyse normally distributed and non-parametric data.
Results/Discussion: An inverse relation between 12 weeks of group exercise and sum of skinfold
was noted comparing before (M: 141.05 mm, SD: ±37.43mm) and following (M: 153.66 mm, SD:
±46.59mm) group exercise (p<0.01). However this cannot be attributed to group exercise
independently, but as a result of the inherent inverse relationship that exists between fat free mass
and age. Group exercise when compared to baseline (M: 12.96, SD: ±1.48) and follow up (M:
13.02, SD: ±1.11) was effective in improving nutritional status (p<0.01). Group exercise
improved components of HRQoL. Participation in vigorous activities had improved following the
group exercise intervention (p<0.01). Exercise was effective in reducing a feeling of worn out
(p=0.01), improving social functioning (p<0.01), improved feeling of peace (p<0.01), happiness
(p<0.01), change in reported health (p<0.01), mental health (p=0.03) and vitality (p=0.01). There
was a significant difference in social functioning (p<0.01), vitality (p<0.01) and mental health
(p=0.03) comparing before and following training thrice a week. Group exercise twice a week
may improve social functioning (p=0.02). There was a significant difference in mental component
summary following 12 weeks of group exercise (p<0.01). There was a significant difference in
physical component summary scale (p=0.03) and mental component summary (p=0.04)
comparing before and following training twice a week. A significant difference was evident in the
mental component summary scale comparing before and following training thrice a week
(p<0.01).
Conclusion:
Group exercise significantly improved nutritional status and health related quality of life of the
elderly living in aged care homes. Group exercise performed three times a week may improve
social functioning, vitality and mental health whilst exercising two times per week may improve
social functioning. This may assist the elderly in accomplishing activities of daily living safely,
improving their functional ability and quality of life.
Description
Master of Sport Science. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville 2014.
Keywords
Exercise for older people--South Africa--eThekwini Municipality Metropolitan., Older people--Nursing home care--South Africa--eThekwini Municipality Metropolitan., Quality of life., Older people--Anthropometry--South Africa--eThekwini Municipality Metropolitan., Older people--Nutrition--South Africa--eThekwini Municipality Metropolitan., Theses--Sport science., Group exercise.