Center for Excellence in Assisted Living CEAL@UNC

Advancing the well-being of the people who live and work in assisted living through research, practice, and policy.

Physical Activity

Objectively Measured Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviors Among Older Adults in Assisted Living Facilities: A Scoping Review

Apr 1, 2024
Older adults in assisted living facilities (ALF) are at risk for low physical activity (PA) and high sedentary behavior (SB), both of which place them at risk for negative health outcomes. The purpose of this scoping review was to synthesize evidence describing the volume of device-measured PA/SB, factors associated with PA/SB, and interventions designed to […]

Objectively Measured Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviors Among Older Adults in Assisted Living Facilities: A Scoping Review

by Lea Efird-Green

Older adults in assisted living facilities (ALF) are at risk for low physical activity (PA) and high sedentary behavior (SB), both of which place them at risk for negative health outcomes. The purpose of this scoping review was to synthesize evidence describing the volume of device-measured PA/SB, factors associated with PA/SB, and interventions designed to […]

Experiences of COVID-19 Restrictions on Physical Activity in Assisted Living

Apr 1, 2024
Physical activity is an important health behavior for older adults in assisted living, however the COVID-19 pandemic may have disrupted this behavior. This study examined the effects of the pandemic on physical activity experiences in this population. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and analyzed using thematic analysis. Participants described barriers to physical activity, transitions in their […]

Experiences of COVID-19 Restrictions on Physical Activity in Assisted Living

by Lea Efird-Green

Physical activity is an important health behavior for older adults in assisted living, however the COVID-19 pandemic may have disrupted this behavior. This study examined the effects of the pandemic on physical activity experiences in this population. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and analyzed using thematic analysis. Participants described barriers to physical activity, transitions in their […]

Accelerometer-Measured Physical Activity and Posture among Older Adults in Assisted-Living Residences

Jan 1, 2024
Objective: Few studies have detailed the physical activity and postural patterns (e.g. lying or sitting) in older adults with declining activities of daily living (ADL). Therefore, we aimed to address this issue by quantifying physical activity using an accelerometer and measuring time spent in various postures among older adults in assisted-living residences. Methods: We quantified […]

Accelerometer-Measured Physical Activity and Posture among Older Adults in Assisted-Living Residences

by Lea Efird-Green

Objective: Few studies have detailed the physical activity and postural patterns (e.g. lying or sitting) in older adults with declining activities of daily living (ADL). Therefore, we aimed to address this issue by quantifying physical activity using an accelerometer and measuring time spent in various postures among older adults in assisted-living residences. Methods: We quantified […]

Physical Activity Programming for Older Adults in Assisted Living: Residents’ Perspectives

Feb 1, 2023
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: In a study gathering recommendations from AL residents about a program to increase physical activity. most residents were interested in increasing their activity and thought of it as being important. However, they had concerns about the program’s level of difficulty, the length of sessions, and how the end goals were framed. Thus, it is vital to elicit feedback from residents when designing a new program in AL.

Physical Activity Programming for Older Adults in Assisted Living: Residents’ Perspectives

by Lea Efird-Green

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: In a study gathering recommendations from AL residents about a program to increase physical activity. most residents were interested in increasing their activity and thought of it as being important. However, they had concerns about the program’s level of difficulty, the length of sessions, and how the end goals were framed. Thus, it is vital to elicit feedback from residents when designing a new program in AL.

Yoga Practice as a Coping Strategy for Older Adults in Assisted Living Facilities: A Qualitative Content Analysis

Jun 1, 2022
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This study explored how 15 residents of 4 assisted living communities used yoga as a coping strategy during and after an 8-week yoga intervention. Qualitative interviews indicated that residents found yoga helpful for relaxing, felt more energized, and that it helped connect them with others.

Yoga Practice as a Coping Strategy for Older Adults in Assisted Living Facilities: A Qualitative Content Analysis

by Lea Efird-Green

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This study explored how 15 residents of 4 assisted living communities used yoga as a coping strategy during and after an 8-week yoga intervention. Qualitative interviews indicated that residents found yoga helpful for relaxing, felt more energized, and that it helped connect them with others.

Effects of the Mobility-Fit Physical Activity Program on Strength and Mobility in Older Adults in Assisted Living: A Feasibility Study

Apr 1, 2022
Physical activity programs focusing on fall prevention often overlook upper-limb strength, which is important for transferring, balance recovery, and arresting a fall. We developed and evaluated a physical activity program, Mobility-Fit for older adults in Assisted Living (AL) that includes upper-limb strengthening, agility, coordination, and balance exercises. Thirty participants (85 ± 6 years) were recruited […]

Effects of the Mobility-Fit Physical Activity Program on Strength and Mobility in Older Adults in Assisted Living: A Feasibility Study

by Lea Efird-Green

Physical activity programs focusing on fall prevention often overlook upper-limb strength, which is important for transferring, balance recovery, and arresting a fall. We developed and evaluated a physical activity program, Mobility-Fit for older adults in Assisted Living (AL) that includes upper-limb strengthening, agility, coordination, and balance exercises. Thirty participants (85 ± 6 years) were recruited […]

Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior of Residents in Assisted Living: A Preliminary Study

Apr 1, 2022
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This study examined physical activity and sedentary behavior in assisted living residents and their relationship with a variety of outcomes. Participants included 54 residents from 8 communities, who had an average of 253 minutes of physical activity per day and 661 minutes of sedentary behavior per day. Depression related to lower activity, while use of assistive devices and fatigue related to higher sedentary behavior.

Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior of Residents in Assisted Living: A Preliminary Study

by Lea Efird-Green

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This study examined physical activity and sedentary behavior in assisted living residents and their relationship with a variety of outcomes. Participants included 54 residents from 8 communities, who had an average of 253 minutes of physical activity per day and 661 minutes of sedentary behavior per day. Depression related to lower activity, while use of assistive devices and fatigue related to higher sedentary behavior.

Replication of Implementing a Sit-to-Stand Exercise Program in an Assisted Living Facility

Mar 1, 2022
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: A 20-bed AL community in rural North Carolina implemented a sit-to-stand exercise program (i.e., having residents rise from a sitting position and then sit back down). A total of 13 residents participated in the program which was offered twice daily over 82 days. The average attendance rate for participants for all sessions was over 90%, and each participant was able to complete all 5 exercises during each session. Over the course of the program participants saw modest increases in average activities of daily living independence scores; however, these changes were not statistically significant. Activities that were measured included toileting, bathing, dressing, transferring, and continence.

Replication of Implementing a Sit-to-Stand Exercise Program in an Assisted Living Facility

by Lea Efird-Green

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: A 20-bed AL community in rural North Carolina implemented a sit-to-stand exercise program (i.e., having residents rise from a sitting position and then sit back down). A total of 13 residents participated in the program which was offered twice daily over 82 days. The average attendance rate for participants for all sessions was over 90%, and each participant was able to complete all 5 exercises during each session. Over the course of the program participants saw modest increases in average activities of daily living independence scores; however, these changes were not statistically significant. Activities that were measured included toileting, bathing, dressing, transferring, and continence.

The Impact of Cognitive Impairment on Clinical Symptoms, Physical Activity and Care Interactions among Residents in Assisted Living Settings

Feb 1, 2022
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This study included 550 AL residents from 59 communities, and assessed how cognitive impairment relates to physical activity, pain, and willingness to receive staff-assisted function-focused care. It found that cognitively impaired residents were less active, experienced more pain, and were less interested in staff-assisted function-focused care activities.

The Impact of Cognitive Impairment on Clinical Symptoms, Physical Activity and Care Interactions among Residents in Assisted Living Settings

by Lea Efird-Green

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU: This study included 550 AL residents from 59 communities, and assessed how cognitive impairment relates to physical activity, pain, and willingness to receive staff-assisted function-focused care. It found that cognitively impaired residents were less active, experienced more pain, and were less interested in staff-assisted function-focused care activities.