Original scientific paper
The Influence of Bodily Activity on Retaining the Functionality of the Hand in Aged Persons
Marijana Ljubic
; »Trnje« Home for Older and Infirm Persons, Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
Degenerative changes of the hands is one of the leading problems of the elderly because of the inability to perform
daily activities. This study aimed to determine whether the application of physical activities and exercises was effective
in maintaining and /or improving hand function and the overall quality of life of older people in the institution. The instruments
applied were: SF-36, keeping a diary for each subject in certain categories (exercise, creative therapy, communication,
cognitive, motor and sensory abilities), Barthel Index, vigorimeter, test of hand function, satisfaction with life
scale. Research has shown that the program of physical activities that are conducted throughout the year can maintain
and improve hand function in older persons who are placed in an institution which contributes to the quality of their
lives in terms of performing daily activities. As a conclusion from the results, it is proposed to introduce a model of physical
activity into the institutional form of care for the elderly.
Keywords
hand function; physical activity; quality of life; older people in the institution
Hrčak ID:
94871
URI
Publication date:
27.12.2012.
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