Pilot Study: Complementary Therapies in Geriatric Patients

Pilot Study Complementary Therapies in Geriatric Patients

In a randomized controlled pilot study the investigators include geriatric patients living in a geriatric residential community. Two interventions are compared:

1. a complex intervention containing exercise therapy, nutritional advice, homeopathy and naturopathy in addition to routine therapy by the general practitioner
2. routine care by general practitioner

The investigators assess the effect of the complex intervention on activities of daily living (AMPS, Barthel Index, Nosger), quality of life (Qualidem, Profile of Wellbeing), risk of falls (Tinetti), falls, cognition (Minimental Status Test), hospital admissions, medication use.

The results of this exploratory study are needed to plan a randomized controlled trial (RCT) with confirmatory design in the future.

Inclusion Criteria:

• living in shared flat/residential community
• informed consent of patient or authorized representative

Exclusion Criteria:

• participation in another study within the last 6 months
• acute or chronic disease condition that does not allow participation
• actual use of complementary therapies