[Movement support based on Kinaesthetics and the development and improvement of body perception, movement abilities and functional independency of elderly nursing home residents].

This case study examined whether the movement support based on Kinaesthetics furthers the body perception, movement abilities and functional independency of elderly nursing home residents with movement restrictions. Two elderly nursing home residents who showed a strong dependence (Barthel-Index II; 20-60 points) after a stroke and who were not previously cared based on Kinaesthetics took part in the study. A four months follow-up with pre-test, Kinaesthetics interventions, and monthly evaluations (n = 4) was carried out. The data was gathered by means of observation. Structured observation was used in order to assess the functional independence by means of Barthel-Index and unstructured observation was used for qualitative information by means of Kinaesthetics assessment from. In addition, the care personnel kept a diary over the development of the participants during the study. Both cases showed clear improvement of the information processing, body perception, and the movement abilities. However, Barthel-Index showed only a little increase in functional development in case A (from 30 to 40 points). Based on the Kinaesthetics concepts, case A however showed a higher level of functional development. The score of case B on the Barthel-Index increased cleary from 55 to 95 points. Movement support based on principles of Kinaesthetics if used consistently, continuously, and adapted to the situation of the assisted person can increase the body perception, movement abilities, and the functional independence of patients in old age. Barthel-Index is not sensitive enough to detect small development in functional status, whereas with Kinaesthetics assessment form it is possible. Besides of quantitative scales it is recommended to use qualitative measures that focus more on qualitative progress and on the way how the level of score is achieved.