Abstract
Background
Overnutrition, defined as overweight and obesity, is a growing concern among older adults, increasing the risk of comorbidity, disabilities, and mortality. However, the optimal management of overnutrition in this population remains unclear.
Purpose
The aim is to develop and assess the effectiveness of a nutritional and physical activity intervention on muscle function and quality of life among older adults with overnutrition in nursing homes.
Methods
A 12-month cluster randomized participatory trial was conducted in six Danish nursing homes. The nursing homes were assigned following a 1:1 allocation ratio for control and intervention. Using the Plan-Do-Study-Act model, intervention components were participatorily developed over the first six months and implemented in the remaining six months. Muscle strength was measured via hand grip strength and a 30-second chair stand test. The Adult Social Care Outcomes Toolkit assessed care-related quality of life. Mixed-effects model analyses evaluated the intervention effects.
Results
Ninety-three residents participated; 59% were overnourished. The intervention included daily/weekly physical and social activities, protein-rich bread, "Snack-on-Wheels," systematic weighing, nutritional tasks for trained staff, and communication standards. Hand grip strength improved among men across weight statuses in the intervention group compared to the controls (p = 0.039). Quality of life was maintained in the overweight group, whereas it improved in the normal weight group (p = 0.019), with significant gains in social participation for both subgroups (p = 0.026).
Conclusion
Participatorily developed nutrition and physical activity interventions can improve all nursing home residents' physical function and well-being.
Overnutrition, defined as overweight and obesity, is a growing concern among older adults, increasing the risk of comorbidity, disabilities, and mortality. However, the optimal management of overnutrition in this population remains unclear.
Purpose
The aim is to develop and assess the effectiveness of a nutritional and physical activity intervention on muscle function and quality of life among older adults with overnutrition in nursing homes.
Methods
A 12-month cluster randomized participatory trial was conducted in six Danish nursing homes. The nursing homes were assigned following a 1:1 allocation ratio for control and intervention. Using the Plan-Do-Study-Act model, intervention components were participatorily developed over the first six months and implemented in the remaining six months. Muscle strength was measured via hand grip strength and a 30-second chair stand test. The Adult Social Care Outcomes Toolkit assessed care-related quality of life. Mixed-effects model analyses evaluated the intervention effects.
Results
Ninety-three residents participated; 59% were overnourished. The intervention included daily/weekly physical and social activities, protein-rich bread, "Snack-on-Wheels," systematic weighing, nutritional tasks for trained staff, and communication standards. Hand grip strength improved among men across weight statuses in the intervention group compared to the controls (p = 0.039). Quality of life was maintained in the overweight group, whereas it improved in the normal weight group (p = 0.019), with significant gains in social participation for both subgroups (p = 0.026).
Conclusion
Participatorily developed nutrition and physical activity interventions can improve all nursing home residents' physical function and well-being.
| Originalsprog | Engelsk |
|---|---|
| Artikelnummer | 112876 |
| Tidsskrift | Nutrition |
| Vol/bind | 139 |
| ISSN | 0899-9007 |
| DOI | |
| Status | Udgivet - nov. 2025 |