Journal of Korean Gerontological Nursing 2011;13(1):37-47.
요양시설 치매노인의 배회 관리를 위한 시설기반 그룹 걷기 프로그램의 효과: 예비연구
송준아, 박재원
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study was to do a preliminary examination of effects of an Institution-based Group
Walking Program (IGWP) on affect and depression, wandering and other behavioral and psychological symptoms
of dementia (BPSD), and sleep in persons with dementia (PWDs) who wander. Methods This study used an A
(baseline measure)- B (treatment condition)- A (baseline measure)- B (treatment condition) single case research
design (n=10). Participants (mean MMSE=11.11±7.56; mean age=81±6.27) were encouraged to walk in a group
along the pre-planned path every evening after supper for 30 minutes from Monday to Friday. Data were collected
for four weeks: every day for affect and sleep; every week for wandering, BPSD, and depression. Using repeated
measure ANOVA, within-subject effects and within-subject contrasts were evaluated. Results Within-subject
effect was found on wanderer's affect (F=12.73, p =.001), depression (F=5.26, p =.005), neuropsychiatric
symptoms (F=5.87, p =.016), hours of sleep (F=3.99, p =.018), sleep efficiency (F=3.99, p =.018), and frequency
of wake-ups during sleep (F=5.05, p =.007). Conclusion Results of this study imply that a regular group walking
program may be beneficial for improving affect, mood, and night time behavior of wanderers. Further studies with
larger samples and longitudinal design are necessary to confirm the findings obtained in this study.