Mitigating Deconditioning in Nursing Homes: A Feasibility and Acceptability Study of the PUSH Tool (Promoting the Autonomy through Exercise in Nursing Home)

Normal aging is associated with functional decline,1 which is exacerbated by sedentary lifestyles, a behavior prevalent among older adults and especially for those in nursing homes (NHs).2 More than 30% of NH residents report a decrease in physical activity since their admission3 and sedentary behavior in NHs exceeds 10 h/d.4 However, practicing regular physical activity has significant benefits for NH residents (eg, improving physical performance, improving quality of life, preventing falls).5 However, intrinsic and extrinsic barriers (eg, perceived health status, lack of motivation, environmental constraints) exist.