Comparisons of Motivation, Health Behaviors, and Functional Status Among Elders in Residential Homes in Korea

Abstract

This study compared the changes in health behaviors, motivation, and functional status between motivation enhancement exercise-program participants and program dropouts over 6 months. A total of 73 older adults living in residential homes participated in the study. Face-to-face interviews were conducted at pretest and then at 10 weeks and 6 months in the program. The participants exercised using traditional Korean dance movements for 50 min, 4 times per week, for 6 months. The subjects were classified as participants or dropouts by using a cutoff attendance rate of 80%. Repeated ANOVA revealed the following results over 6 months: 1 The motivation to perform health behaviors, especially for perceived benefits, improved significantly for the participants than for the dropouts. 2 Significant differences in the performance of overall health behaviors and exercise-related behaviors were found between the participants and the dropouts. 3 The sickness impact profile (SIP) of the participants improved significantly, compared with the dropouts. Significant group differences were found for total SIP, physical dimensions, and enjoyment of recreation and pastimes. In conclusion, the study found that the 6-month motivation enhancement program was effective in motivating older adults to perform health behaviors and to improve their functional status.

Physical Benefits of Dancing for Healthy Older Adults: A Review

“…Nine of the 15 training studies were categorized as being Level II (Eyigor et al, 2009;Federici et al, 2005;Hackney et al, 2007;Holmerová et al, personal communication;Hopkins et al, 1990;McKinley et al, 2008;Shigematsu et al, 2002;Sofianidis et al, 2009;Young, Weeks, & Beck, 2007), with the other six training studies being Level III-V (Engels et al, 1998;Jeon et al, 2005;Jeon et al, 2000;Kim et al, 2003;Kudlacek et al, 1997;Song et al, 2004). All three cross-sectional studies were categorized as being Level IV (Uusi-Rasi et al, 1999;Verghese, 2006;Zhang, Ishikawa-Takata, Yamazaki, Morita, & Ohta, 2008).…”

“…Across these 18 studies, a variety of dance forms and outcome measures were used. Of the 15 training studies, the most common forms of dance were traditional Korean (Jeon et al, 2005;Jeon et al, 2000;Kim et al;Song et al) and aerobic (Engels et al; Hopkins et al; Shigematsu et al) dance. Aerobic power, muscle endurance and strength, and static and dynamic balance were the most commonly assessed outcome measures.…”

“…The gait performance of the older adults was also markedly increased. Specifically, significant improvements in gait speed when moving in a straight line, around obstacles, and up stairs (Eyigor et al, 2009;Federici et al, 2005;Hackney et al, 2007;Hopkins et al, 1990;Jeon et al, 2000;McKinley et al, 2008;Shigematsu et al, 2002;Song et al, 2004;Young et al, 2007) also indicated an overall improvement in the older adults' agility. Furthermore, and perhaps most important, dancing could also significantly reduce the prevalence of falls in older adults (Jeon et al, 2005).…”

Dance therapy for individuals with Parkinson's disease: improving quality of life

“…33 Another study which included 111 older adults who participated in 23 sessions of dance over 12 weeks improved in mobility and general health (measured by the SF-36) and believed their health status was improved by the intervention. 34 In a study of Korean dance for older adults, 35 improvements were found in social interaction components of HRQOL. Likewise, in a qualitative study conducted in Brazil, 60 participants in a ballroom dancing intervention that met for 1 hour, twice weekly for 1 year, reported dancing gave them opportunity to socialize and increase their connection to their own culture.…”

Recommendations for Implementing Tango Classes for Persons with Parkinson Disease

“…Increased gait speed following dance/movement therapy was noted in a cohort of people with PD (Westbrook & McKibben, 1989). Older adults who danced were more motivated to 4 pursue healthy, exercise-related behaviors and demonstrated improved balance and functional mobility (Eyigor et al 2007, Song et al 2004. Dance may effectively address motor impairments brought on by aging and illness as dance requires dynamic balance and adaptability to changing environments.…”