 Home | Recent News | Aberdeen Village | Residents Ku Research 01 Feb 2006 Residents part of two KU research studiesSome Aberdeen residents are having fun and helping aspiring health care professionals at the same time. Two research studies from the University of Kansas involve observing and interviewing residents who have visited an art museum exhibit and those participating in an exercise class. Visit to the art museum is more than meets the eye Residents of Highlands Assisted Living visited the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in January and February. During their trips, residents enjoyed looking at artwork and discussing each piece. However, these visits were more than just outings from the community; they contributed to the education of resident physicians from the University of Kansas Medical Center. As part of an observational study, the Village residents will be interviewed about their experiences looking at the artwork. The physicians are researching the benefit that art can have on individuals with dementia or early Alzheimer’s disease. They want to know if it improves their memory or if there is any affect. Other studies throughout the country have shown improved verbal skills and a positive change in mood after residents view and talk about art. Other forms of expression such as music, painting and drawing have been used as well to help people with dementia or Alzheimer’s find an outlet for expression. Art therapy is a way to engage minds and increase brain activity in new ways. Residents record exercise routines for tai chi study Aberdeen residents are learning a new form of exercise and may assist in a University of Kansas School of Nursing research study at the same time. The residents who choose to participate will be part of a study that focuses on the effects of t’ai chi ch’uan (tai chi) in older adults with osteoarthritis in the lower joints. The study has two groups. One group will participate in an eight-week tai chi exercise class and will also be encouraged to practice tai chi outside of class and keep a journal of their exercise. The other group will not participate in the tai chi and will simply continue their normal exercises and daily routines. These group members will also be asked to keep a journal of their activities. At the end of the study, both groups will be able to take part in a four-week tai chi class free of charge. All classes will be taught at Aberdeen. The participation in this study is voluntary and free of charge. Participants will be asked to fill out two questionnaires at the end of the study. Tai chi is an ancient Chinese martial art form that was developed to enhance physical and emotional well-being. The slow, precise movements of tai chi can be compared to yoga and meditation. These flowing postures have names like “Part the Horse’s Mane” and “White Crane Spreads its Wings.” There are many forms of tai chi, but all forms are said to improve strength, flexibility and respiratory function.
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