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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2006 May 20;332(7551):1180-4.
doi: 10.1136/bmj.38825.401181.7C. Epub 2006 May 5.

Effect of family style mealtimes on quality of life, physical performance, and body weight of nursing home residents: cluster randomised controlled trial

Kristel A N D Nijs  1 , Cees de Graaf, Frans J Kok, Wija A van Staveren
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Effect of family style mealtimes on quality of life, physical performance, and body weight of nursing home residents: cluster randomised controlled trial

Kristel A N D Nijs et al. BMJ. .

Abstract

Objective: To assess the effect of family style mealtimes on quality of life, physical performance, and body weight of nursing home residents without dementia.

Design: Cluster randomised trial.

Setting: Five Dutch nursing homes.

Participants: 178 residents (mean age 77 years). Two wards in each home were randomised to intervention (95 participants) or control groups (83).

Intervention: During six months the intervention group took their meals family style and the control group received the usual individual pre-plated service.

Main outcome measures: Quality of life (perceived safety; autonomy; and sensory, physical, and psychosocial functioning), gross and fine motor function, and body weight.

Results: The difference in change between the groups was significant for overall quality of life (6.1 units, 95% confidence interval 2.1 to 10.3), fine motor function (1.8 units, 0.6 to 3.0), and body weight (1.5 kg, 0.6 to 2.4).

Conclusion: Family style mealtimes maintain quality of life, physical performance, and body weight of nursing home residents without dementia.

Trial registration: Clinical trials NCT00114582.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Flow of residents through trial
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References

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