The Effect of Occupational Activities and Finger Exercise Program on Hand Grip Strength and Activities of Daily Living in Elderly Individuals With Dementia: Randomized Controlled Trial

Emel Dogan

Status: Completed

Conditions: Aged 65 Years or Older; Cognitive Decline; Dementia

Treatments: Behavioral: Occupational Activities and Finger Exercise Program

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07033338

Selcuk.Emel.01

Details and patient eligibility

About

As people age, cognitive functions, muscle mass, and hand strength tend to decrease. Reduced hand grip strength in the elderly can make it harder for them to perform daily tasks such as buttoning clothes, pulling zippers, or opening doors. These difficulties can lead to a reduced quality of life and increased need for assistance and institutional care. Activities of daily living (ADL) are a key indicator of an older adult's ability to live independently.

This study aimed to examine whether an occupational activities and finger exercise program helps improve hand grip strength and the ability to perform daily tasks among older adults with mild dementia. The program includes hand and finger exercises combined with creative and functional tasks such as sewing, painting, and using tools. Supporting physical and cognitive function through such activities may help improve the independence and well-being of elderly individuals living in institutions.

Full description

The study was planned as a randomized, parallel-group experimental design. It was conducted in Konya Dr. İsmail Işık Nursing Home. Fifty randomly selected individuals who were over 65 years of age, not bedridden, and who agreed to participate voluntarily were included in the study.

Pre-tests After the individuals included in the study group were informed about the study and gave their consent, pre-test applications (information form, Barthel Index, and hand and finger grip strength measurement) were performed. The hand and finger grip strength measurements and data collection were performed by an independent physiotherapist who was experienced in this field. The measurements and data collection were performed in the rooms of elderly individuals with dementia who stayed in a private room, while others were evaluated in a separate room.

Post-tests Post-tests (Barthel Index and hand and finger grip strength measurements) were carried out at the end of the 8th week by the same independent physiotherapist. The post-tests were also performed in the rooms of elderly individuals who stayed in a private room, while the others were in a separate room.

Intervention A pastime activities and finger exercise program was applied to the experimental group 3 times a week for 8 weeks. At the end of the program, post-test evaluations for hand grip strength and daily life activities in both the experimental and control groups were performed simultaneously. The data obtained as a result of the measurements - numbers, percentages, mean, minimum and maximum values - were analyzed using the independent groups t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, Wilcoxon test, and Shapiro-Wilk test for normal distributions. Ethics committee approval and institutional permission have been obtained for the study.

Enrollment: 50 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 65+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion and exclusion criteria

Inclusion Criteria

• Clinical diagnosis of dementia (MMSE score between 18-23)
• Age 65 years or older
• Not bedridden Exclusion Criteria
• Advanced osteoarthritis or neurological disorders
• Significant visual/hearing impairment interfering with communication
• Severe depression or behavioral disorder

Trial design

Primary purpose: Supportive Care

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

---

50 participants in 2 patient groups

Intervention Group

Experimental group

Description:

The intervention group was composed of elderly individuals aged 65 years and older who were residing in a nursing home and were not bedridden The intervention group was composed of elderly individuals aged 65 years and older who were residing in a nursing home and were not bedridden. A total of 25 out of 50 participants were randomly assigned to this group. The intervention included a structured program of occupational activities and finger exercises implemented 3 days per week for 8 weeks, aiming to improve hand grip strength and activities of daily living. The intervention was delivered by trained healthcare staff, and informed consent was obtained from all participants.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Occupational Activities and Finger Exercise Program

Control Group

No Intervention group

Description:

The control group consisted of elderly individuals aged 65 years and older who were residing in a nursing home and were not bedridden. A total of 25 out of 50 participants were randomly assigned to this group. Participants in this group did not receive any intervention and continued with their usual care routines. They were evaluated at the same time points as the intervention group to compare outcomes such as hand grip strength and daily living activities.