Combined Programs by Visit to the Elderly with Functional Deterioration of Motor Skills

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to elucidate the effects of a combined program by a visit to older adults with the functional deterioration of motor skills that do not attend the facility service.

Methods: We conducted a combined program with visits and telephone combined with motor function/oral function improvement four times each for 18 subjects. Pre- and Post- intervention and after 6 months from the intervention completion, we assessed motor functions and psychosocial aspect.

Results: Post-intervention, improvements were noted in the following: motor skills—open eyes standing (P<0.01), rising (P<0.01), toe muscle strength (P<0.05); psychosocial aspects—mental health (P<0.01), subjective sense of health (P<0.05); and basic checklist—motor functions, oral, cognitive function, and depression items. The basic checklist analysis revealed that the number of individuals who declined motor function among program participants declined by 38.9% postintervention and 50.0% 6-month postintervention. Furthermore, grip strength, repeated saliva swallowing test, oral diadochokinesis, BMI, ADL, and self-efficacy regarding going outdoors did not change markedly.

Conclusions: Motor skills, mental health conditions, subjective sense of health were maintained and enhanced, and the combined program by visit exerted some impact.