title: Use of a device to support standing during a physical activity program to improve function of individuals with disabilities who reside in a nursing home.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To demonstrate the feasibility of an innovative program of physical activity using a standing-support device targeted towards adult residents of a nursing home who are unable to transfer or stand independently.
  
  
  METHODS
  Intervention study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirteen residents, age 82 +/- 11 years, at the Beit Bayer Nursing Home, Jerusalem, Israel, who were unable to transfer or stand independently.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eight-week observational period followed by 12-week physical activity performed while standing in a Standing-Support Device.
  
  
  METHODS
  Manual Muscle Testing, joint range of motion, forward and lateral reach, time to stand independently, distance walked with a walker, Functional Independence Measure.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Compared to the observational period, significant post-intervention improvements were noted particularly in lower extremity muscle strength. Improvements in the Functional Independence Measure were noted in sphincter control, locomotion, mobility, motor score, and total score. Over 60% of those previously requiring assistance in standing became able to stand for an average of 1 min unassisted and walk an average of 14 m with a walker.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A pilot program of physical activity using a Standing-Support Device is feasible in selected stance-disabled older adult nursing home residents. Participants showed evidence of muscle strength and functional improvement. Future studies of the device with a concurrent examination of healthcare costs, functional improvement, and staff burden, are recommended.
authors.affiliation: The Zinman College of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Wingate Institute 42902, Israel. neyael@wincol.ac.il
authors.forename: Yael
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Netz
authors.forename: Esther
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Argov
authors.forename: Arie
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Burstin
authors.forename: Riki
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Brown
authors.forename: Samuel N
authors.initials: SN
authors.lastname: Heyman
authors.forename: Ayelet
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Dunsky
authors.forename: Neil B
authors.initials: NB
authors.lastname: Alexander
mesh_terms: D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004867:Equipment Design; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006707:Homes for the Aged; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009735:Nursing Homes; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D012656:Self-Help Devices