Browsing by Author "Onywera, Vincent Ochieng"

Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Effect of regular physical activity on functional independence and health of the elderly at Bakateyamba home in Kampala
    (2012-04-13) Kasoma, Sandra Birabwa; Wamukoya, Edwin K.; Onywera, Vincent Ochieng
    The study was set to determine the functional independence: the physical and health fitness (the lower body muscle strength, the static balance, the gait quality, the dynamic balance and the cardiovascular endurance and the changes in the blood pressure). In addition, the physical activity patterns, the nutrition patterns, the sleep patterns and the prevalence of chronic illnesses of the elderly were assessed before and after an intervention of a physical activity programme (PAP) based on the Community Health Intervention Programmes (CHIPs). The study employed a quasi-experimental design. Purposive sampling technique was used in selecting the target group: the Bakateyamba Home and the sample of the 40 elderly that were residing in the home. The researcher conducted a pre-test before commencement of the PAP that lasted 8 weeks and post tests at halftime (4 weeks) and fulltime (8 weeks) to determine the effect of PAP on the variables under study. An interview was administered to both the elderly subjects and the caregivers to obtain information about their physical activity patterns, nutrition patterns, sleep patterns and prevalence of chronic illnesses. The personal data files for the elderly Were used to provide more information about the elderly. 17 elderly who successfully completed the study availed the data for this study. The results have been organized in tables, graphs and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) programme and Statistics data analysis (Stata 9). The pre-test and post test data of the group was analysed using a Kruskal Wallis Test and Fishers' Exact Test at p=0.05. The eight-week PAP caused significant effect on the lower body strength p=0.001, the gait quality p=O.013, the diastolic blood pressure p=0.016 and the heart rate p=0.010 of the elderly. Changes were also noted in the activity patterns of the elderly. Significant improvement were noted in the sleep patterns p=0.006. The nutritional problems were significantly improved p=0.025. Additionally, the frequency of chronic illness attacks reduced significantly p=0.012 just as the self reports on how the elderly persons perceived their health showed significant improvement p=O.OOOl. There were however, no significant changes in the cardiovascular endurance, the systolic blood pressure, the static and dynamic balance of the elderly by the end of the 8-week PAP. The study concluded that the 8-week low intensity PAP was safe and effective in improving the functional independence and health of the elderly. The 8 weeks' PAP is adequate in improving the activity patterns, reducing constipation problems, reducing chronic illness attacks and reducing sleep problems among elderly. However, other aspects where the 8 week PAP did not cause significant effects may require administering the PAP for a longer period with varying intensity. The elderly should be encouraged to involve in adequate and regular forms of physical activity and exercise at least three days a week for 30 -50 minutes each day.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Physical activity and functional independence of elderly persons in seleceted homes for the aged in Nairobi, Kenya
    (2011-11-02) Githang'a, Juliah Wambui; Onywera, Vincent Ochieng; Wamukoya, Edwin K.
    The purpose of the study was to investigate physical activities for the level of functional independence amongst the elderly Kenyans in selected homes for the aged in Nairobi Province. The unit of measurement used is called a Metabolic Equivalent (MET), used to assess the intensities of physical activity patterns of the elderly. The results were expressed as a mean value of the METs in each of the physical activity categories. ADLs were measured by the Modified Barthel Index, scored on the basis of self-reporting by the subject to establish the Functional Independence Measure (FIM). This measure was used to establish the independence level of the elderly in performing ADLs and Mobility. Both, male and female elderly > 60 years residing in three homes for the aged, registered and affiliated to HelpAge Kenya in Nairobi Province were used in the study. A total of 144 out of 150 elderly residents were investigated in the study. The descriptive survey design employed a semi-structured interview and a number of standardized instruments. Instruments included the Modified Barthel Index and Physical Activity Log Book used to record FIM of ADLs and MET intensities of physical activities respectively. The accrued data on METs and FIM were subjected to statistical analysis using Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS). One way Analysis of Variance and Pearson's Product Moment Correlation coefficient index at significance level of <_ 0.01 were used to test the research hypotheses. Post Hoc analysis was conducted using the Scheffe Confidence Interval to locate inter-group differences. The data were presented in tables and pie-charts. Major findings of the study were: There was a significant relationship between the MET intensities of physical activities and functional independence in ADLs and Mobility of the elderly; there was a significant difference between the three homes of the aged and physical activities; and there was a significant difference between the three homes and FIM. The study recommended that there is an imperative need for: development of more trained gerontological professionals in exercise and recreational programs of the elderly by educational institutions; diversification of physical activity and recreational programs of the elderly in homes for the aged by the administrators, and regular fitness testing and evaluation for the elderly residents by the administrators to know their progression in attainment of fitness goals.