The effect of the SPIRIT program on anxiety of elderly in nursing homes: a pilot study Cahyanto, EB 1, Subijanto, AA 2, Kristiyanto, A 3, Sumardiyono4, Suratih, K5
1Student of Doctorate Degree Program in Public Health, Sebelas Maret University, Surakarta, Indonesia
2Faculty of Medicine, Sebelas Maret University, Surakarta, Indonesia
3Department of Sport Science, Sebelas Maret University, Surakarta, Indonesia
4,5Shool of Vocation, Sebelas Maret University, Surakarta, Indonesia
Abstract
Anxiety is one of the most common mental health disorders. The most widely used non-pharmacological intervention to overcome anxiety in the elderly in nursing homes is physical activity. Physical activity alone is not always able to overcome anxiety. Expert recommendations say physical activity should be combined with meditation relaxation. This study aims to determine the effect of comprehensive physical and mental activity on reducing anxiety. The design is quasi experiment one group pre test post test. A comprehensive program called SPIRIT consists of elderly gymnastics, pedaling a stationary bicycle, walking, muscle strength training, flexibility, balance, as well as breathing relaxation, and gratitude were carried out three times a week for four weeks. Seven elderly who meet the criteria are willing to become participants. The results measured included the presence or absence of side effects, mean attendance, dropout rates, and anxiety scores. No unexpected events occurred during the intervention. Average attendance is 86 percent. The mean anxiety score at baseline was 14 (5.13) and 11 (3.55) at follow up. There was a significant decrease in anxiety with p less than 0,05. The SPIRIT program is effective in reducing anxiety and deserves to be used for further research. This is a pilot study to test the feasibility of the SPIRIT program, which is part of the comprehensive program to enhance the quality of life of elderly people in nursing homes, with registration number IRSCTN 13989556.
Keywords: SPIRIT program, anxiety, elderly, nursing home, pilot study
