Rocking Therapy By Gavin von Mollendorff

Researched & prepared by Melissa Delaney UL student

Rock & Roll chair The rock and roll mobile rocking chair is a breakthrough product which combines innovative, user friendly features that provide psychosocial well being along with other benefits.

Rock & Roll chair features Two locking handles one on each side of the chair Two locking positions- upright and reclined Ability to transfer in and out of chair Braking system Foot rest, arm rest and head rest Washable seat cushion and incontinence protection cover

Rocking Therapy Rocking is a repetitive, rhythmic motion and it may affect psychosocial well being as well as balance through stimulation of the vestibular pro-prioceptive system. (Watson et al, 1998) Repetitive rhythmic movements are widely held to be soothing and rocking chairs are familiar to many older people (O’Connor,2009)

Who will it benefit? Elderly patients in nursing homes Clients with aggression or agitation Clients who are experiencing pain Clients who have poor mobility &balance Clients with Alzheimer's or Dementia

Potential benefits to client’s According to Watson et al rocking appeared to have the most affect in reducing anxiety/depression among some patients. This could be seen as a relaxation response to rocking Gentle rocking was reported to help reduce signs of acute distress in some patients.

Benefit to balance? Given the lifestyle of many patients with dementia- sitting for long periods This may lead to a lack of stimulation to the vestibular system as well as a lack of practice maintaining balance

Other benefits…pain? Pain in persons with a cognitive impairment is poorly understood. The use of a low intensity form of exercise has been found to reduce arthritic pain. Prolonged rhythmic exercise is associated with the release of endorphins (which could explain an improved mood in patients)

Quality of Life By reducing a clients level of anxiety and depression. As well as alleviation of pain and improving a persons balance will help improve his /her Quality of Life

Benefit to staff It may also benefit staff as rocking offers patients a way to achieve body motion without the physical stamina, skill and one- to-one supervision or support required by an other program. ( Watson et al 1998)

Important studies Watson and Wells et al 1998 reported a significant improvement in balance and a decrease in depression and anxiety. Snyder et al 2001 reported that the glider intervention significantly improved emotions and relaxation

Case Study We have client who may be suited for the rocking chair therapy. Client A is a 78 year old female recently admitted to a nursing home in Ofalia House Co. Offaly. Client A has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's, dementia OA of the hip and a risk of falling, wandering.

Dementia Some patients with dementia exhibit a wide range of behaviours – mood disturbances such as depression and manic symptoms, anxiety, behaviour issues such as agitation, aggression and wandering.

Dementia increases the risk of falls – this may be due to an effect on balance, medications, a tendency to wander and/or disorientation.

Client A shows signs of agitation, aggression and confusion Client A requires a staff member at all times to ensure she is not a danger to herself or others This causes a huge strain on staff resources

Intervention We have started a program with Client A We are beginning with between 5 and 10 minutes per day and gradually build up the amount of time spent Client A was apprehensive the first time in the chair, we are hoping with proper supports Client A will adapt sufficiently.

The client must not be left in the chair for long periods of time more that 2 hours without proper supervision.

Future implications The use of rockers are safe, practical, non-labour intensive source of relaxation and improved physical and psychosocial well-being and balance. Rocking Chair therapy represents a promising new innovative approach to improving quality of life of dementia patients living in nursing homes.

References Watson, N. M., Wells, T. J., & Cox, C. (1998). Rocking chair therapy for dementia patients: Its effect on psychosocial well-being and balance. American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias, 13(6), Snyder, M., Tseng, Y. H., Brandt, C., Croghan, C., Hanson, S., Constantine, R., & Kirby, L. (2001). A glider swing intervention for people with dementia. Geriatric Nursing, 22(2),

O'Connor, D. W., Ames, D., Gardner, B., & King, M. (2009). Psychosocial treatments of psychological symptoms in dementia: a systematic review of reports meeting quality standards. International Psychogeriatrics, 21(2), 241. Vrugt, D. T., & Pederson, D. R. (1973). The effects of vertical rocking frequencies on the arousal level in two-month-old infants. Child development,

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