Original Research

Physical Activity in Nursing Homes – Barriers and Facilitators: A Cross-Sectional Study

Authors: Sonja Kalinowski¹, Ines Wulff¹, Marita Kölzsch², Kirsten Kopke¹, Reinhold Kreutz² and Dagmar Dräger¹

Affiliations: ¹Institute of Medical Sociology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin. ²Institute of Medical Sociology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin.

Acceptance Date: December 20, 201

Abstract:
Purpose: To explore different institutional barriers to and facilitators of physical activity (PA) in nursing homes. Methods: Cross-sectional survey of 40 German nursing homes and 217 nursing home residents (NHR) (M ± SD age: 80 ± 10.2 yr, 55% females, MMSE ≥ 20). Quantitative data were collected on the structural characteristics of nursing homes and the PA services available. Results: Forms of exercise available were not adequately communicated to residents. Overall participation was below 50%. Awareness was significantly higher in residents with informed relatives (p = .003). A broad range of forms of exercise was generally available (M ± SD: 5 ± 2.22, range: 0–10), but they were rarely tailored to NHR needs and their effectiveness remains questionable. Conclusion: Multidimensional opportunities to promote PA in NHR are identified.

Keywords: nursing home, physical activity, barriers, exercise, institution