Abstract
The use of platform style rocking chairs to improve psychological well-being and balance of nursing home residents with dementia was studied. Despite significant cognitive impairment, most medically stable unrestrained residents accepted the chairs and learned to actively rock. During the six week program, residents were able to rock an average of 101 minutes per day. Using a cross-over design (n=25), there were improvements in depression/anxiety and reductions in PRN pain medication significantly related to amount of rocking. Those who liked rocking and wanted to continue it at the end of the study also demonstrated significant improvements in balance as measured by center of gravity.
Original language | English (US) |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 296-308 |
Number of pages | 13 |
Journal | American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias |
Volume | 13 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Nov 1998 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Neuroscience
- Clinical Psychology
- Geriatrics and Gerontology
- Psychiatry and Mental health