Treatment with the Nordic Sensi® Chair resulted in a mean change score of -18.87±5.56 for behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia () compared to -1.74±0.67 in the control group.
Significant reductions in agitation were observed, with a mean change score of -2.32±2.02 in the treatment group versus -0.78±1.44 in the control group.
Irritability decreased more in the treatment group, showing a mean change score of -3.35±2.93 compared to -1.42±1.31 in the control group.
The overall occupational distress for staff also improved, with a mean change score of -9.67±7.67 in the treatment group compared to -7.66±6.08 in the control group.
Statistical significance was reached for all reported outcomes, with p-values indicating strong evidence of the treatment's efficacy.
Simplified
BACKGROUND: Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia () are present in most people with dementia (PwD), including Alzheimer's disease. There is consensus that non-pharmacological therapies represent the first line of treatment to address BPSD.
OBJECTIVE: We explore the efficacy of the use of a rocking chair (Nordic Sensi® Chair, NSC) in the treatment of BPSD in nursing home residents with moderate and severe dementia.
METHODS: We carried out a 16-week randomized, single-blind, controlled, clinical trial with PwD admitted to nursing homes. Participants were assigned to a treatment group (n = 40) that received three times a week one session per day of 20 minutes in the NSC and a control group (n = 37). The Neuropsychiatric Inventory-Nursing Home () was used as primary efficacy outcome. Occupational distress for the staff was evaluated using the NPI-NH Occupational Disruptiveness subscale (NPI-NH-OD). Statistical analyses were conducted by means of a Mixed Effects Model Analysis.
RESULTS: Treatment with the NSC was associated with a beneficial effect in most of BPSD, as reflected by differences between the treatment and control group on the NPI-NH total score (mean change score -18.87±5.56 versus -1.74±0.67, p = 0.004), agitation (mean change score -2.32±2.02 versus -0.78±1.44, p = 0.003) and irritability (mean change score -3.35±2.93 versus -1.42±1.31, p = 0.004). The NPI-NH-OD total score also improved the most in the treatment group (mean change score -9.67±7.67 versus -7.66±6.08, p = 0.003).
CONCLUSIONS: The reduction in overall BPSD along with decreased caregiver occupational disruptiveness represent encouraging findings, adding to the potential of nonpharmacological interventions for nursing home residents living with dementia.
Key numbers
-18.87±5.56 vs. -1.74±0.67
Decrease in Total Score
Mean change scores for NSC vs. control group
-2.32±2.02 vs. -0.78±1.44
Decrease in Agitation Score
Mean change scores for agitation in NSC vs. control group
-9.67±7.67 vs. -7.66±6.08
Decrease in Caregiver Occupational Distress
Mean change scores for caregiver distress in NSC vs. control group
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