An investigation into the effects of resistance exercise participation on the perceived depression levels of older adults residing in a long-term care facility over time

Scope and Method of Study. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a resistance exercise band program on perceived depression levels among older adults residing in a LTC facility. The study describes whether or not a change in recreation programming at a LTC facility will potentially lower perceived depression levels among participants over a 12-week period. Participants in the study included 40 total participants randomly assigned to a control or experimental group who met the purposive criteria and reside in the LTC facility. A Mann-Whitney U non-parametric analysis was utilized to determine the differences between individual scores at 4-week intervals over the course of 12-weeks. The Mann-Whitney U was also utilized to compare experimental group scores to control group scores. Each participant completed a Beck Depression Inventory --II at baseline, 4-week, 8-week and 12-week over the course of the new program implementation.;Findings and conclusions. Analysis procedure included a Mann-Whitney U as well as descriptive statistical analysis utilizing means and standard deviations. The findings of this study suggested that those who participated in the experimental group or new program over the course of 12-weeks had lower perceived depression levels when compared to those of the control group. These findings suggest that change in programming during certain periods of the year and for a recommended duration (12-weeks) can have an impact on the perceived depression levels of both groups. The experimental group change in self-efficacy and control group continued comfort due to no change in programming. Further, these findings can help recreation programmers to determine what activities are beneficial and at what time periods they should be utilized.