PHYSICAL-ACTIVITY LEVELS OF AMBULATORY NURSING-HOME RESIDENTS

The purpose of this study was to describe the physical activity levels of ambulatory nursing home residents (N = 95) and identify factors th at predicted these activity levels. The residents' physical activity l evels (standing, walking, and wheelchair propulsion), as measured by t ime-sampled observations and Caltrac motion sensors, indicated that re straint use was the major predictor of low physical activity. Both the physically restrained and the physically unrestrained group, scores m easuring the resident's fall risk, self-selected walking speed, upper and lower body strength, and body mass index were significant predicto rs of physical activity level. In the restrained group, scores measuri ng the resident's fall risk and upper body strength were significant p redictors of activity level.