A qualitative investigation of health benefits through a modified Taekwondo activity among nursing home residents.

BACKGROUND: A few studies suggest that Taekwondo is an effective intervention in increasing physical functions among older adults. This study is intended to focus on a multitude of health benefits of participation in a modified Taekwondo activity for nursing home residents in the U.S. METHODS: This qualitative study used semi-structured, in-depth interviews with seven participants consisting of 2 males and 5 females older adults from a community nursing home. The interview protocol included content mapping and content mining interview questions. The study followed the five steps of constant comparative analysis. RESULTS: Four main themes were identified as health benefits resulting from a modified Taekwondo participation: (a) promoting mental health, (b) increasing physical functions, (c) stimulating cognitive abilities, and (d) facilitating positive social interaction. DISCUSSION: This study indicates modified Taekwondo can be instrumental in promoting their physical functioning, cognitive functioning, social interactions, and mental health. Practical implications and further discussion are addressed in this paper.

The effects of a mobile-based multi-domain intervention on cognitive function among older adults.

Behavioral and social research has stressed the importance of multi-domain lifestyle interventions to prevent, delay, or remedy age-related cognitive decline among older adults at high risk for dementia. In light of the benefits of multi-domain interventions, some studies demonstrate the effectiveness of a mobile-based program for dementia prevention. Unfortunately, there is limited evidence of whether or not a mobile application of a multi-domain program is effective in improving cognitive functioning among older adults who are a high risk for dementia. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine whether there was a pre-post change of cognition and there were age-group differences in pre-post change after the 12 weeks multi-domain program, Silvia program (N = 59). The Silvia program consisted of five domains, including (a)daily smart routine, (b)cognitive training, (c)lifestyle monitoring, (d)home-based exercise, and (e)voice-based AI cognitive assessment. Using a paired t-test and analysis of variance, this study found that there was a significant mean difference in cognitive function scores between pre and post-intervention (95 % CI = 1.10-1.87, P <.05). The difference score in cognitive function was higher in the old-old group than in the young-old group (95 % CI = -2.29-0.10, p <.05). The findings of this study demonstrated that Silvia program was effective in promoting cognitive function among older Korean adults, especially for the old-old group.

The Effects of a Nature-based Virtual Reality Program on Emotional Health and Quality of Life among Older Adults with Dementia.

Objectives: In this pilot study, we focused on the health benefits of a nature-based virtual reality (VR) intervention for older adults with dementia, primarily Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Our main objective was to assess pre-post changes in the emotional health and quality of life of older adults with AD after participating in a 5-week nature-based VR program. Methods: Using in-depth interviews with VR participants and facility staff, we explored the health outcomes of participants as well as challenges to their participation. We recruited 11 participants. Results: We found an increase in participants' mean scores for pleasure and alertness and a decrease in mean scores for anxiety, sadness, and anger. In addition, we found that the quality-of-life mean scores significantly increased after program participation. In qualitative findings, we identified 3 main themes as possible mental health outcomes of the nature-based VR program: (1) enjoyment, (2) novel experience, and (3) reminiscence. On the other hand, participants experienced some challenges related to the VR gear and manipulating the VR controllers and goggles while engaged in the program. Conclusion: The nature-based VR program was instrumental in promoting emotional health and quality of life among older adults with AD.

A Pilot Study of Virtual Reality (VR) Tai Chi Program on Mental Health among Older Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

OBJECTIVES: Tai Chi, an ancient Chinese martial art, has been credited for improving the physical and mental health of community-dwelling older adults. Virtual reality (VR) has developed as a therapeutic technique for improving health and well-being in older adults. Previous research on exercise-based VR interventions in older adults has focused primarily on the physical and cognitive health effects. The extent to which a program integrating the ancient practice of Tai Chi with virtual reality might benefit older individuals' physical and mental health is an unknown entity. In this pilot study, we examined potential advantages of the virtual Tai Chi program in terms of health outcomes, as well as to gather qualitative data on the barriers to VR program participation. METHODS: We conducted semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 5 participants who had participated at least 5 years in traditional Tai Chi. RESULTS: Three key salient themes emerged as beneficial results of VR experiences: (1) mindfulness/ meditation, (2) enjoyment, and (3) physical exercise. Participants also reported 3 main challenges: (1) some difficulties with controllers and functions, (2) cybersickness/pain, and (3) absence of group synergy. CONCLUSIONS: These challenges suggest further avenues of investigation for researchers in refining this approach.

Leisure Satisfaction Changes and Stress-coping during the Pandemic.

Objectives: Leisure engagement has been considered as a salient stress-coping strategy. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, people's leisure engagement has been restricted due to COVID-19- related regulations and policies. Moreover, many Asian immigrants, including Korean immigrants in the US, have been exposed to additional challenges (e.g., discrimination and harassment), which negatively affected their leisure experiences. Methods: in this study, we categorized participants into 3 groups based on their leisure satisfaction changes before and during the pandemic and compared the groups regarding COVID-19 risk perception, stress-coping, and life satisfaction. Results: The Maintained or Increased Group (MIG) scored significantly lower stress than the Highly Decreased group (HDG); the MIG scored significantly higher life satisfaction than both the Slightly Decreased Group (SDG) and the HDG. Conclusion: The research demonstrated the importance of satisfactory leisure experience to cope with stress and be satisfied with their life in a stressful life event.

Intergenerational Taekwondo Program: A Narrative Review and Practical Intervention Proposal.

Taekwondo is a modernized martial art that includes various combinations of hand and kicking techniques and core values of Taekwondo philosophy such as courtesy, mutual respect, and self-control. Physical inactivity is highly prevalent among older adults and is a major contributor to health-related problems. Intergenerational physical activity programs are used as an effective tool to make a positive connection between generations and provide additional health benefits for both generations. This review study aimed to examine the theories of intergenerational physical activity programs and propose the Intergenerational Taekwondo Program (ITP). Various theories such as the transtheoretical model, contact theory, social capital theory, situated learning theory, human development theory, personality theory, and whole-person wellness model have been adopted in intergenerational physical activity programs. Our review suggests that to develop the Intergenerational Taekwondo Program, instructors should (1) establishing common goals, (2) understand differences in physical and mental abilities, and (3) offer incentives to encourage participants in physical activity programs. The proposed ITP program has the potential to not just provide unique inherent values and improving physical functions, but also to form generational connections.

The contribution of physical and social activity participation to social support and happiness among people with physical disabilities.

BACKGROUND: Prior studies have suggested that certain leisure activities provide health benefits to people with physical disabilities. Participation in social activities has been identified as a strong predictor of active coping strategies and social support from others. In addition, leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) has been found to be positively associated with health perceptions and quality of life. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between social activity and LTPA to social support and life satisfaction among people with physical disabilities. METHODS: Data were collected from Korean Association of Persons with Physical Disabilities. A total of 351 surveys were used. RESULTS: Results indicated that social activity, emotional and informational support, and tangible and affectionate support were significantly associated with happiness. However, there were no direct effects of LTPA and positive social interaction support on happiness. The study results showed significant direct effects of LTPA on emotional and informational support and positive social interaction. CONCLUSION: This study shows that it is important for people with physical disabilities not only to participate in LTPA, but also to be provided with opportunities for social activities. In particular, the importance of social activity to Korean people with physical disabilities as a means of receiving social support and increasing happiness was confirmed. The results suggest that practitioners need to create a variety of social activity opportunities, such as online social participation programs, community-based social programs, and social events for health.

Insomnia in diabetic hemodialysis patients. Prevalence and risk factors by a multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Insomnia is one of the most common problems in dialysis patients, and likely to contribute impairment in quality of life, which has a positive correlation with patients' survival. In diabetic patients, morbidity and mortality are substantially higher than in the nondiabetic counterparts, and also the incidence of sleep disturbances. However, there is no means to predict sleep disturbance in the dialysis patients especially in diabetics. To define the prevalence and risk factors for insomnia in diabetic patients on hemodialysis, we undertook a cross-sectional multicenter study. METHODS: Eighty-two diabetic patients (50 men/32 women, aged 58.7 +/- 9.23 years) on maintenance hemodialysis for more than 6 months from 12 different hospitals were enrolled. The demographic data, subjective symptoms, depression scale, and insomnia were assessed by questionnaires, and lean body mass, BMI, Kt/V, subjective global assessment, nursing assessment score (NAS), and biochemical parameters were examined. RESULTS: The number of patients with and without insomnia were 56 and 26, respectively, which amounted to 68.2% for insomnia. NAS (28.1 +/- 3.81 vs. 30.8 +/- 2.88, p = 0.002), serum albumin concentration (3.82 +/- 0.44 vs. 4.09 +/- 0.36 g/dl, p = 0.008), and depression scale (25.2 +/- 12.1 vs. 18.9 +/- 10.3, p = 0.025) were significantly different between them. Patients with insomnia were older (60.5 +/- 9.0 vs. 56. 1 +/- 9.60 years, p = 0.053) and felt pain (38.5 vs. 15.3%, p = 0.06) more frequently than those without insomnia. The scale of depression was correlated with NAS (r = -0.455, p < 0.001) and the serum albumin concentration was correlated with NAS (r = 0.337, p = 0.002). NAS, age, and serum albumin concentration were the major risk factors for insomnia in logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of insomnia in diabetic hemodialysis patients was 68.2%. Age, nutritional status, and depression were the major risk factors for sleep disturbance in diabetic patients.