Abstract

In order to determine the effect of exercise upon cognition of institutionalized elderly a quasi-experimental research approach was used. A sample of 20 was selected from two long-term care nursing facilities to make an experimental and a control group. The experimental group had a prescribed exercise plan followed by a cognition test while the control group received only the cognition test. The cognition test scores were analyzed using the ^ test statistic with a significance level of 0.05. Analysis of the data led the researcher to fail to reject the null hypothesis; however, a marginally significant trend for the experimental group to score slightly higher than the control group on the Thomas Test of Cognition was noted. Although not significant at the 0.05 level, the effect of exercise on cognition is significant enough that the researcher recommends institutionalized elderly have a program of regular exercise.

Degree

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Department

Graduate Nursing

Degree Date

8-1-1985

Publication Number

27924601

First Advisor

Dr. Phyllis W. Werner

Second Advisor

Dr. Rayma Skinner

Third Advisor

Dr. Mary Patricia Curtis

Document Type

Thesis

Included in

Nursing Commons

COinS