Impact of a magic recreation program on older adults with minor depressive symptoms in a long-term care facility: A pilot randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate a magic recreation program to reduce depressive symptoms in institutionalized older adults.

Methods: We conducted a pilot randomized controlled trial in which participants were assigned to either a magic group (n = 6) or a control group with usual activities (n = 6). The magic group received a 6-week magic recreation program. The data were analyzed by generalized estimating equations in terms of intention-to-treat analysis. A sensitivity analysis was conducted by examining the complete case analysis.

Results: The magic recreation program significantly improved the scores of Patient Health Questionnaire-9 in the magic group (Wald χ 2 = 8.816, p = 0.004, Cohen's d = 1.51, power = 0.9968). The results of the sensitivity analysis were consistent with the results of primary analysis.

Conclusions: The 6-week magic recreation program reduced depressive symptoms among institutionalized older adults with minor depressive symptoms.

Keywords: Depression; Humor therapy; Long-term care facilities; Magic; Older adults.