The effects of an intervention on physical activity among nursing home residents in Wuhan, China

Many nursing home residents live a sedentary lifestyle, which can lead to adverse outcomes including declines in physical functioning, lower quality of life, and a higher mortality rate. Providing educational intervention is the first step in helping older adults change their unhealthy lifestyle. The current study examined the effectiveness of an educational program on physical activity of nursing home residents in Wuhan, China. A quasi-experimental, pre-posttest design was conducted, and a total of 34 participants completed the program, which consisted of 6 weeks of education with 1-month follow up. After completing the intervention, significant improvements were found in physical activity (F = 77.98; p < 0.01) and perceived benefits (F = 66.77; p < 0.01) of and barriers (F = 13.16; p < 0.01) to exercise. The educational program may be recommended as a method to promote physical activity among nursing home residents.