Examination of continuing participants in our care prevention class

Abstract

One year has passed since our hospital started a weekly care prevention class for the purpose of interaction and health promotion of residents. There were 86 participants throughout the year, although some participants participated only once. Therefore, in the current study, we examined whether participants continue to participate in the care prevention class by comparing their physical functions .

The subjects participated in our preventive care class from April 2018 to March 2019. They were divided into two groups: continuous participation group and non-continuous participation group. The two groups were compared on the following aspects: age, grip strength, scores on a 30-second chair standing test (CS30), single leg standing test, Timed Up & Go Test (TUG), repeated saliva swallowing test ( RSST), and longest utterance duration (MPT ).

Statistical examinations were carried out using a t-test. Results showed that the continuous participation group was significantly older than the non-continuous participation group, and scored significantly lower on the single leg standing test. The two groups did not differ significantly in their grip strength, and their scores on CS30, TUG, RSST, and MPT. From the above, it is suggested that age and the ability to balance have an influence on whether participants in a care prevention class continue or not