This project forms part of a larger study which aims to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a physical activity intervention delivered to older adults living in nursing homes. In this larger study, the effects of the physical activity intervention will be assessed using two physical measurement tools, the Timed Up and Go Test and Timed 10 Metre Walk Test, and two quality of life tools, the Nottingham Health Profile and EuroQol 5D-5L. However, it is vital that the tools we are using to measure effectiveness of interventions in older adults are easy for these participants to understand and to complete, while also giving researchers the information that they need. The current Summer Studentship project will address this issue by exploring the feasibility of these four outcome measures for use in older adults, including those with mild cognitive impairment. In this project, data will be collected from 15-20 participants in each of two nursing homes in County Galway. Data collected will include are participants willing to undergo assessment, how long does it take them to complete the test, are they able to complete all parts and do they need any cues to aid attention or comprehension. All collected data will be analysed. A poster displaying the project results will be prepared for dissemination at a national conference and this work will contribute towards a peer-reviewed journal publication. These results will inform researchers of potential challenges involved in using these tools with older adults and suggest strategies to overcome them.
