Integration of Complementary Medicine in Geriatric Nursing Homes: A Prospective Comparative Observational Study

Area of Science:

• Gerontology and Healthy Aging
• Integrative Medicine and Well-being
• Nursing Home Care Interventions

Background:

• A healthy lifestyle is crucial for healthy aging.
• Kneipp therapy (KT) integrates hydrotherapy, herbal medicine, mind-body practices, physical activity, and nutrition.
• The study evaluated KT's impact on nursing home residents' daily activities, health, and quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effectiveness of Kneipp therapy (KT) care in nursing home residents.
• To compare KT with standard preventive interventions on activities of daily living, cognition, and quality of life.
• To assess the influence of KT on the health and well-being of elderly individuals in long-term care.

Main Methods:

• A 12-month prospective, comparative observational study.
• Two groups: nursing homes using KT (Kneipp group) and those using common preventive interventions (control group).
• Outcome measures included Barthel Index (ADL), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE; cognition), and QUALIDEM/SF-12 (quality of life).

Main Results:

• The Kneipp group showed a significant improvement in the Barthel Index after 6 months compared to the control group.
• The SF-12 mental health scale and MMSE scores decreased less in the Kneipp group over 12 months.
• Higher frequency of interventions positively impacted social relations, social isolation, and feeling at home.

Conclusions:

• This study found minor differences between KT and control groups, with some benefits for KT in ADL and mental health.
• The frequency of therapeutic interventions may enhance social well-being and behavior in nursing home residents.
• High-quality pragmatic randomized trials are recommended for further investigation into Kneipp therapy's efficacy.