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), 296-308.

• 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), 86-90.

• 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, 205-209.

Thank you for listening