Effect of family style mealtimes on quality of life, physical performance, and body weight of nursing home residents: cluster randomised controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the effect of family style mealtimes on quality of life, physical performance, and body weight of nursing home residents without dementia.


METHODS
Cluster randomised trial.


METHODS
Five Dutch nursing homes.


METHODS
178 residents (mean age 77 years). Two wards in each home were randomised to intervention (95 participants) or control groups (83).


METHODS
During six months the intervention group took their meals family style and the control group received the usual individual pre-plated service.


METHODS
Quality of life (perceived safety; autonomy; and sensory, physical, and psychosocial functioning), gross and fine motor function, and body weight.


RESULTS
The difference in change between the groups was significant for overall quality of life (6.1 units, 95% confidence interval 2.1 to 10.3), fine motor function (1.8 units, 0.6 to 3.0), and body weight (1.5 kg, 0.6 to 2.4).


CONCLUSIONS
Family style mealtimes maintain quality of life, physical performance, and body weight of nursing home residents without dementia.


BACKGROUND
Clinical trials NCT00114582.
Nijs
Kristel A N D
KA
Wageningen University, Division of Human Nutrition, PO Box 8129, 6700 EV Wageningen, Netherlands. Kristel.Nijs@wur.nl
de Graaf
Cees
C
Kok
Frans J
FJ
van Staveren
Wija A
WA