PERSON-CENTERED WALKING TO MAINTAIN THE MOBILITY, ADL FUNCTION, AND QUALITY OF LIFE OF LTC RESIDENTS

Aim: To determine the efficacy of a person-centered multifaceted walking intervention (MWI) to maintain the mobility, ADL function, and QOL of LTC residents with dementia. Method: An interrupted time-series design was used. Measures of mobility (2-minute walk test[2MWT], Timed-Up-and-Go[TUG], gait speed), ADL function (Functional Independence Measure[FIM]), and QOL (Alzheimer’s Related Quality of Life Scale[ARQOL]) were collected before and after the 2-month pre-MWI phase, and at the middle and end of the 4-month MWI phase. The MWI consisted of a one-to-one walking regime and an individualized communication care plan tailored to the resident provided up to 4x/week for 4 months. RM-ANOVA was used to evaluate MWI efficacy. Results: All eligible residents (n=26), PSW staff (n=21) and power of attorneys (n=25) enrolled in the study. During the pre-MWI phase, residents experienced a significant decline in mobility: TUG increased by 4.4% (mean difference= 4.15 sec., P=0.01), 2MWT decreased by 9.7% (mean difference= -5.78 m., P=0.03), gait speed decreased by 11.3% (mean difference= -0.05 m/sec, P=0.022), decline in ADL function (mean difference= -17.88, P=0.03), and a loss of QOL (mean difference= -1.84, P=0.030). During the MWI phase, the TUG improved by 32.1% (mean difference= -8.58, P=0.000), 2MWT improved by 51.2% (mean difference= 27.47, P= 0.000), gait speed improved by 55.1% (mean difference= 0.23, P=0.000), ADL function increased by 25% (mean difference= 15.60, P=0.000), and QOL increased by 7.8% (mean difference= 2.44, P=0.063). Conclusion: Findings provide preliminary evidence for a future trial, and a greater understanding of the role of person-centered care in delivering PA in LTC.