Report of the Activity Using the Promenade in Our Ambulatory Rehabilitation Center

抄録

  In fall 2012, we renovated the grounds surrounding our hospital and constructed a “rehabilitation promenade,” along which patients could stroll and be in touch with the natural environment. The course is 500m long and includes pathways through a wood and along a pond. Using the promenade, patients can go for a stroll, exercise, or interact with other people.
In our ambulatory rehabilitation center, the promenade has been incorporated in one of the center’s programs since last year. This time, we herein report a survey on the changes in the mental and physical function over a 6-month period from May 2013 and their satisfaction level with the use of the promenade by a questionnaire in December 2013.
  22 subjects with a mean age of 77.5 ± 6.8 years were included in the survey on the mental and physical functions. Also, in satisfaction survey, valid responses were received from 58 individuals (mean age, 78.2 ± 8.2 years; 25 men and 33 women).
  As a result, in terms of the 6-month changes in mental and physical functions were generally maintained.
  In the questionnaire, more than 90% of users were satisfied with their use of the promenade, and the statistical analysis revealed that the highest level of satisfaction concerned going outside (p<0.01). For example, “I could feel the fresh air and the seasons” and “I could see a range of scenery.”
  In addition, compare the results for each category according to sex, the women chose significantly more answers that were related to interacting with other people, whereas the men chose significantly more answers that were related to exercise.
  From this survey, utilizing the surrounding environment may enable the development of more varied and satisfying forms of rehabilitation. We will continue with initiatives that utilize the promenade to help improve the QOL of those who use it.