Effectiveness of Exercise-Based Interventions in Reducing Falls in Older Adults Living in Residential Care Facilities

This article reviews four primary research articles on the effectiveness of exercise-based interventions in reducing falls in older adults living in residential care facilities. The studies suggest that virtual reality training, self-management and exercise fall prevention interventions, and combined exercise programs can reduce fall risk, improve balance, and enhance quality of life in older adults. However, limitations such as small sample sizes and short study durations were noted. The findings provide evidence for person-centred care planning and targeted education for older adults living in residential care facilities.

NURS 3046 Nursing ProjectAssignment 1 (2000 words 45%)
STUDENT NAME: STUDENT ID:
Please do not change this template
Please note:2,000 word count includes in-text references but excludes the citations and Reference List.
Background
The prevention of falls among older adultsis an urgentpublic health issue in Australia and
internationally (Nyman & Skelton 2017; Gillespie et al. 2012). The proportionof Australians aged 65 years
and over is predicted to increase from 14% (3 million people) in 2010 to 23% (8.1 million people) by 2050
(Intergenerational Report 2010).By 2051, the Australian total annual health costs from fall-related injury are
predicted to increase almost threefold to $1.4 billion (Moller 2003). Approximately 30% of adults aged 60
and older will fall during the period of a year (Tinetti 2003; Resnick 1999).Falls by older adults are a
common occurrence and a leading cause of dependence (Stevens et al. 2006). Falls can result in injuries,
reduced confidence, isolating social consequences, and a reluctance to continue physical activity that, not
surprisingly, can be a precursor to other health-related complications. Nearly 30% of people over the age of
65 will sustain a fall every year in residential care facilities, and fall-related injuries are the leading cause of
mortality and morbidity (Cakar et al.2010). Notably, three quarters of injuries to older adults that require
hospitalization are the result of falls (AIHW: Bradley 2013)The rate of falls by older adults in residential
aged care facilities is nearly three times higher than the rate of falls in other settings (Shi 2014).
There is compelling evidence that physical activities to enhance balance and strength are among
the most promising exercise-based interventions to prevent falls and fall-related injuries in older adults
(Gillespie et al. 2012). Moreover, ‘widespread implementation of exercise as a single intervention seems to
be the best approach to falls prevention’ (Sherringtonet al. 2011, p. 78).Balance and strength training and
lower limb resistance training is known to reduce falls in older adults (Sherrington et al.2008). However,
less than 10% of older people routinely engage in strength training and even less in activities that
strengthen their balance (Clemson et al. 2012).
ResearchQuestion:What is the effectiveness of exercise-based interventions in reducing falls in older
adults living in residential care facilities?
This research question is relevant for evidence-based clinical practice and professional knowledge.
If exercise-based intervention programs have positive effects on reducing falls among older people, then
this approach could change the way older adults are cared for in residential care facilities.This research
question could generate evidence to inform person-centred care planning regarding effective exercise-
based interventions for falls prevention and targeted education for older adults living in residential care
facilities(NMBA 2016). Findings could inform strategies that target audiences such as managers, nurses
and families could implementto improve holistic care for older adults living in residential care facilities.
Nurse educators could also use the evidence to teach effective strategies in the undergraduate nursing
curriculum. The research question is therefore highly relevant to clinical practice and has wider implications
for the provision of quality care and encouraging older adults to adopt effective self-care practices.
2018 Scenario 3 Falls Older Adults 1

SUMMARY ANALYSIS OF FOUR (4) PRIMARY RESEARCH ARTICLES (1200 words)
Select four (4) primary research articles (from the 8 articles provided) that provide relevant evidence to
answer the research question. Write a 300 wordsummary of each primary research article using the three
step format learned in Topic 2.
Paper 1
Lim, J., Cho, J.J., Kim, J., Kim, Y. & Yoon, B., 2017. Design of virtual reality training program for prevention
of falling in the elderly: A pilot study on complex versus balance exercises. European Journal of Integrative
Medicine, vol. 15, pp.64-67.
According to Lim et al. (2017) falls result in serious health concerns among the elderly population, as a
result of balance deficits and muscle weakness. Virtual reality exercise has been under scrutiny for its
effectiveness as a program that can prevent falls in the elderly. The aim of the present research was to
carry out an investigation of the effect of complex exercise with virtual reality (CEVR) such as muscle
strength, endurance, flexibility, and balance exercises on dynamic postural ability and isokinetic knee
muscle strength in the elderly. The research undertaken had the study design of single-blinded,
randomized, comparative trial which was carried out over five weeks. The study participants were twenty
individuals aged over sixty-five years, who were divided into a balance exercise with virtual reality (BEVR)
group and a complex exercise with virtual reality (CEVR) group. The focus of BEVR was solely on balance
exercise, whereas the focus of CEVR was on balance, endurance, flexibility and strengthening. Isokinetic
peak torque and total work of knee muscles was measure prior to the sessions as well as after the one
hour sessions with the help of a dynamometer. Evaluation of dynamic balance was done with the help of
the ‘Timed Up & Go (TUG) test’. The results indicated that knee extension peak torque had been
significantly enhanced for only the CEVR group (p < 0.05). However, there was no difference among the
groups. Dynamic balance showed significance improvement for both the groups when measurement wad
done with TUG after completion of the training sessions. Nevertheless, greater improvement was shown by
the CEVR group as compared to the BEVR group (p < 0.05). It was therefore concluded from the research
that virtual reality training when demonstrated in the form of complex exercise program produces superior
results for improvement of muscle strength and balance in elderly. It was recommended that a virtual reality
program can be implemented for strength, endurance, balance, and flexibility enhancement and preventing
falls in elderly across settings
Paper 2
Sherrington, C., Fairhall, N., Kirkham, C., Clemson, L., Howard, K., Vogler, C., Close, J.C., Moseley, A.M.,
Cameron, I.D., Mak, J. & Sonnabend, D., 2016. Exercise and fall prevention self-management to reduce
mobility-related disability and falls after fall-related lower limb fracture in older people: protocol for the
RESTORE (Recovery Exercises and STepping On afteR fracturE) randomised controlled trial. BMC
geriatrics, vol. 16, no. 1, p.34.
Sherrington et al. (2016) stated that disability and further falls are costly and common problems faced by
older individuals after suffering pelvic and lower limb fractures as a result of falls. It has been noted that
exercise interventions can bring in rapid improvement in the mobility of individuals after they have suffered
falls, thereby reducing the risks of further falls. Nevertheless, there is no much clarity regarding the optimal
approach that can be considered for rehabilitation of pelvic and lower limb fracture after falls. The
researchers outlined a randomized control trial with the aim of evaluating the impact of a self-management
2018 Scenario 3 Falls Older Adults 2

and exercise fall prevention intervention on mobility of older people who have been disabled as a result of
falls. The cost effectiveness of the intervention was also to be investigated. The research paper focused on
outlining the protocol for RESTORE (Recovery Exercises and Stepping On after fracture) randomized
control trial. It was articulated that the randomized control trial would be conducted with concealed
allocation and assessor blinding. Performance tests and intention-to-treat analysis would be considered.
The participants would be three hundred and fifty individuals of age 60 years and above how have suffered
pelvic or lower limb fracture as a result of falls. These individuals are to lie in low care residential aged care
facility and must have previously undergone active rehabilitation. The participants are to be divided into two
groups of intervention or normal care for one year. The physiotherapist would be visiting the intervention
group for a total number of ten times for prescribing an individualized exercise program along with
motivational interviewing. Fall prevention education would also be given through individualised advice at
the group based “Stepping On” program which would be seven group sessions of two hours each. While
the primary outcomes would be mobility-related disability and falls, secondary outcomes would include
measures of balance and mobility, nutrition, falls risk, walking aid use, frailty, physical activity, pain, mood,
falls efficacy, positive and negative effect, quality of life, assistance required, hospital readmission, and
health-system and community-service contact. It was highlighted that the results attained from the study
would be helpful for designing and implementing interventions for fall prevention in older adults.
Paper 3
Singh, D.K., Rajaratnam, B.S., Palaniswamy, V., Pearson, H., Raman, V.P. & Bong, P.S., 2012.
Participating in a virtual reality balance exercise program can reduce risk and fear of falls. Maturitas, vol.
73, no. 1, pp.239-243.
In the paper of Singh et al. (2012) it has been mentioned that near about one third of older adults living in
the community are likely to suffer at least one fall in a year. Research indicates that women are twice likely
to suffer falls in old age as compared to men of the same age group. Virtual reality exercise games can act
as a reliable rehabilitation tool for empowering adults to carry out exercises in a regular and independent
manner. The aim of the present study was to carry out an evaluation of the effectiveness of taking part in
six weeks long VRBG program as determined by reduction in risk of falls among postmenopausal women.
Thirty six women with age above 56 years were recruited for the study and divided into two groups,
experimental with exercises using VRBG and control with conventional balance exercises, on a random
manner. The sessions were carried on for six weeks, twice a week, for one hour. Measurement of fear and
risk of falls was done using Activity Specific Balance Scale (ABC-6) and Physiological Profile Approach
(PPA). Examination of differences on pre and post intervention stages was considered using two way
repeated measures ANOVA. The results of the study indicated that both conventional and VRBG balance
exercise groups demonstrated significant decrease in PPA (p < 0.001) and ABC-6 (p < 0.01). There was
however no significant effects between the groups in PPA (p = 0.18) and ABC-6 (p = 0.25). It was
concluded from the study that taking part in VRBG enables a noteworthy increase in confidence related to
balance among older women in community. The utility is that such program is capable of providing
feedback to the individuals and therefore promotes engagement in physical activity on a regular basis.
2018 Scenario 3 Falls Older Adults 3

Paper 4
Cakar, E., Dincer, U., Kiralp, M., Cakar, D., Durmus, O., & Soydan, F. et al. 2010. Jumping combined
exercise programs reduce fall risk and improve balance and life quality of elderly people who live in a long-
term care facility. European Journal Of Physical And Rehabilitation Medicine, vol. 46, no.1, pp. 59-67.
According to Cakar et al. (2010) falls is a significant health concern among elderly population and fall rates
of individuals living in residential care units is three times more than that of community dwelling individuals.
The burden of falls on healthcare workers is immense, leading to their fatigue. The researchers considered
carrying out a research for determining the usefulness of combined exercise program when taken up on a
regular basis in relation to fall risk, balance improvement, enhancement of quality of life and depression.
Such programs consider stretching, strength and aerobic exercises along with jumping training. The trial
considered 78 168 participants who were assigned to combined exercise program (COM) including
aerobic, strength and stretching exercise, and COM plus jumping (COMpJ) program. The six weeks long
programs considered sessions three times in a week. The maximum time for the total exercises was 45
minutes. For assessing fall risk and dynamic balance, Biodex Balance system and Berg balance tests were
considered. Short Form-36 was used for assessing quality of life. Lastly, depression status was assessed
through Geriatric Depression Scale. The results indicated that reduction in fall risk and improvement in
balance ability were improved in both the groups. Nevertheless, statistical significance was found in the
COMpJ group. Further, quality of life in relation to health was better in both COMpJ and COM groups. The
main inference drawn from the study was the group exercise program when carried out in a regular basis,
can be effective in long term care process for elderly individuals. The benefits brought about are
multifaceted and include balance improvement, enhancements in quality of life and fall reduction.
Discussion (600 words)
Compare and contrastthe findings of the four (4) primary research articles using the approach learned in
Topic 3. Ensure the analysis explains how the findings answer the research question. Identify any existing
gaps in knowledge or practice. Discussion may be supported by additional relevant additional literature.
The above section on review of articles aimed at understanding the effectiveness of exercise-based
interventions in reducing falls in older adults living in residential care facilities . The results of all the four
studies aimed at addressing the research question in an appropriate manner. The study of Lim et al. (2017)
and that of Singh et al. (2012) had considered evaluating the efficacy of virtual reality exercise program in
promoting prevention of falls in elderly. The studies however had certain limitations, the key ones of the first
study being small sample size and short duration of study. As opined by Parahoo (2014) larger sample size
in research aids in generalizability of the study findings, thereby adding value to the research undertaken.
The limitation of the second study was that there was no measurement undertaken of the physical activity
level of the study participants at baseline. The results might have therefore been influenced considerably.
The limitation of short duration of study was also marked for the study conducted by Cakar et al. (2010).
The study further had limitation of using a computerized fall risk assessment device. Nevertheless, the
findings of the all the four studies were pragmatic.
The implications of implementing complex exercise with virtual reality (CEVR) were understood from the
research of Lim et al. (2017), while the study of Singh et al. (2012) focused on reality balance games
2018 Scenario 3 Falls Older Adults 4

(VRBG). CEVR has been found to be superior in effectiveness in increasing knee muscle strength as well
as dynamic balance when comparison is done with the general virtual reality training for balance. The
findings presented that a CEVR focuses solely on balance to prevent falls in elderly individuals.
Improvement in endurance, strength, flexibility and balance are evident in individuals undergoing this
intervention. It might however be rational to state that VRBG places more demand on the cognitive
organization and execution of individual motions when comparison is done with conventional therapy.
Augmented feedback after repetitive sessions after engagement in VRBG sessions act as beneficial
components of rehabilitation of disorders of neuromuscular system. Further, the process entails exact,
quick and repetitive visual neuro-motor actions. VRBG might be considered as a leisure activity at home
that improves compliance to the therapy to a good extent.
According to Dockx et al. (2017) VRBG might be highly mentally and physically challenging, limiting its
implementation. The action requires the individual to move the center of pressure to a particular point so
that strategies for hip and ankle postural control are generated. The nature of speed, range and direction of
movement are found to be constantly changing. This would need central processing speed strategies,
leading to inconvenience. As a result, greater challenges and demands might be placed on the
neuromuscular system when comparison is done with conventional balance programs (Choi et al. 2017).
The findings of research of Cakar et al. (2010) can be considered at this juncture as an alternative of virtual
balance programs who suggested that regular exercise programs are beneficial for addressing fall
prevention. Jumping as an element of exercising protocol can ensure positive results for elderly living in
long term facilities. As opined by Karinkata et al. (2015) jumping exercises can be advantageous for
leading to better outcomes of bone fragility and functional decline in older patients through improved
physical functioning, physical performance and bone strength. Nevertheless, future research must establish
the effectiveness of the strategy. Sherrington et al. (2016) has highlighted that researchers are to find out
optimal approaches for supporting rehabilitation after fall-related injuries. It is therefore indicated that
different strategies for fall prevention have different limitations and strengths, each attempting to address
balance level of individuals as the key to fall prevention.
Conclusion (150-200 words)
Summarise the major points in a non-repetitive manner, discuss future directions for research.
Fall prevention is a key concern in the healthcare facilities especially while caring for older adults. Injuries
related to falls lead to increased healthcare costs and burden on the care providers. Fractures and injuries
as a result of falls have a significant relationship with reduced functional capability and physical activity.
Strategies for reducing falls among older adults have been examined since long. The present paper aimed
at adding value to such research. The research focused on assessing the benefits of exercise-based
interventions for bringing significant reduction in risk of falls for older adults living in residential care
facilities. Out of the four studies considered for analysis, two studies brought about the benefits and
challenges in implementing virtual reality exercise programs. The focus of such a program is to enhance
balance confidence in individuals and bring improvement in overall functioning. Another study indicated the
usefulness of jumping exercises in reducing risk of fall. The studies reporting on this regard have certain
2018 Scenario 3 Falls Older Adults 5

limitations such as gender bias and small sample population. It is therefore essential to carry out future
research in this direction that can consider a more critical analysis of exercise programs. Confirmatory
studies are warranted since these would highlight the implications of implementing exercise programs for
individuals in healthcare settings as compared to those who are community-dwelling. It is noteworthy to
mention that future studies are to consider larger sample size for coming up with more reliable studies.
Also, studies are to be free of selection bias, especially in relation to gender bias.
2018 Scenario 3 Falls Older Adults 6

REFERENCES
AIHW: Bradley, C 2013,Trends in hospitalisations due to falls by older people, Australia 1999–00 to
2010–11. Injury research and statistics no. 84. Cat. no. INJCAT 160. Canberra: AIHW.
Cakar, E., Dincer, U., Kiralp, M., Cakar, D., Durmus, O., & Soydan, F. et al. 2010. Jumping combined
exercise programs reduce fall risk and improve balance and life quality of elderly people who live in a long-
term care facility. European Journal Of Physical And Rehabilitation Medicine, vol. 46, no. 6 pp. 59-67.
Choi, S.D., Guo, L., Kang, D. & Xiong, S., 2017. Exergame technology and interactive interventions for
elderly fall prevention: a systematic literature review. Applied ergonomics, vol. 65, pp.570-581.
Clemson, L,Fiatarone Singh, M, Bundy, A, Cumming, R,Manollaras, K, O’Loughlin, P.& Black, D 2012,
‘Integration of balance and strength training into daily life activity to reduce rate of falls in older people (the
LiFE study): randomised parallel trial’,British Medical Journal,345:e4547doi:
https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.e4547
Dockx, K., Alcock, L., Bekkers, E., Ginis, P., Reelick, M., Pelosin, E., Lagravinese, G., Hausdorff, J.M.,
Mirelman, A., Rochester, L. & Nieuwboer, A., 2017. Fall-prone older people's attitudes towards the use of
virtual reality technology for fall prevention. Gerontology,vol. 63, no. 6, pp.590-598.
Gillespie, LD, Robertson, MC, Gillespie, WJ, Sherrington, C, Gates, S & Clemson, LM 2012,‘Interventions
for preventing falls in older people living in the community’. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 9
Art. No. CD007146. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD007146.pub3
Intergenerational Report 2010, ‘Australia to 2050: future challenges’. Canberra: Commonwealth of Australia
Karinkanta, S., Kannus, P., Uusi-Rasi, K., Heinonen, A. &Sievänen, H., 2015. Combined resistance and
balance-jumping exercise reduces older women's injurious falls and fractures: 5-year follow-up study. Age
and ageing, vol. 44, no. 5 pp.784-789.
Lim, J., Cho, J.J., Kim, J., Kim, Y. & Yoon, B., 2017. Design of virtual reality training program for prevention
of falling in the elderly: A pilot study on complex versus balance exercises. European Journal of Integrative
Medicine, vol. 15, pp.64-67.
Moller, J 2003, ‘Projected costs of fall related injury to older persons due to demographic change in
Australia: Report to the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing’. Canberra: New Directions in
Health and Safety.
Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia 2016, Registered Nurse Standards for Practice, NMBA,
Canberra, viewed 23 February 2017 http://www.nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au/search.aspx?q=Registered
%20Nurse%20Standards%20for%20Practice
Nyman, SR.&Skelton, DA 2017, ‘The case for Tai Chi in the repertoire of strategies to prevent falls among
older people’,Perspectives in Public Health, vol.137, no. 2, pp. 85–86. doi:10.1177/1757913916685642.
Parahoo, K., 2014. Nursing research: principles, process and issues. Macmillan International Higher
Education.
Resnick, B.1999, ‘Falls in a community of older adults: Putting research into practice’,Clinical Nursing
Research, vol.8, no. 3, pp. 251–266.
Sherrington, C, Tiedemann, A, Fairhall, N, Close, J.& Lord, S 2011, ‘Exercise to prevent falls in older
adults: an updated meta-analysis and best practice recommendations’,NSW Public Health Bulletin, vol. 22,
no. 3-4, pp. 78-83.
2018 Scenario 3 Falls Older Adults 7

Sherrington, C, Whitney, JC, Lord, SR, Herbert, RD, Cumming, RG.& Close, JCT 2008,‘Effective exercise
for the prevention of falls: a systematic review and meta-analysis’,Journal of American GeriatricSocietyvol.
56, pp. 2234-43.
Sherrington, C., Fairhall, N., Kirkham, C., Clemson, L., Howard, K., Vogler, C., Close, J.C., Moseley, A.M.,
Cameron, I.D., Mak, J. &Sonnabend, D., 2016. Exercise and fall prevention self-management to reduce
mobility-related disability and falls after fall-related lower limb fracture in older people: protocol for the
RESTORE (Recovery Exercises and STepping On afteR fracturE) randomised controlled trial. BMC
geriatrics, vol. 16, no. 1 p.34.
Shi, CH 2014, 'Interventions for preventing falls in older people in care facilities and hospitals', Orthopedic
Nursing, vol. 33, no. 1, pp. 48-9.
Singh, D.K., Rajaratnam, B.S., Palaniswamy, V., Pearson, H., Raman, V.P. & Bong, P.S., 2012.
Participating in a virtual reality balance exercise program can reduce risk and fear of falls. Maturitas, vol.
73, no. 3, pp.239-243.
Stevens, J, Corso, P, Finkelstein, E.&Miller, T 2006, ‘The costs of fatal and non-fatal falls among older
adults’ Injury Prevention, vol. 12, pp. 290–295. doi: 10.1136/ip.2005.011015
Tinetti, M 2003, ‘Preventing falls in elderly persons’. New England Journal of Medicine, vol. 348, pp. 42–49.
2018 Scenario 3 Falls Older Adults 8

NURS 3046 Nursing ProjectAssessment Feedback Form & Marking Rubric
Assessment 1 (2000 words)Weighting 45% of final course gradeCO 1; CO 2, CO3
Criteria HD (85% 100%) DN (75% - 84%) CR (65% - 74%) P1 (55% - 64%) P2 (50% - 54%) F1 (40% - 49%) F2 (39% - 0%)
SUMMARY
OF FOUR (4)
PRIMARY
RESEARCH
ARTICLES
(300 words
per article)
50%
Includes all
requirements of a
Distinction AND
All summaries of
the primary
research articles
areexemplary
Original,
impressive
thinking.
Includes all
requirements of a
Credit AND
All summaries of the
primary research
articles are high
level, complex and
comprehensive
Advanced thinking.
Includes all
requirements of a
P1 AND
All summaries of
the primary
research
articlesare clear
and succinct
.
Used articles not provided in
the Study Package
RQ changed
1st Primary research article
Correct UniSA Harvard author-
date citation
Adequate attempt to
summarize the article using the
3 step framework.
Sufficient detail about design,
participants, data collection
methods and analysis.
In-depth detail about findings.
(about 50% of summary)
Clearly written
Sound sentence structure
Adheres to word count
1st Primary research article
Correct UniSA Harvard author-
date citation
Limited, superficial attempt to
summarize the article using the
3 step framework.
Too little detail about design,
participants, data collection
methods and analysis.
Too little detail about findings,
basic,inadequate.
Not clearly written, some errors
Some confusing sentences
Adheres to word count
1st Primary research article
Incorrect UniSA Harvard
author-date citation
Mostly poor, irrelevant,
unrelated attempt to
summarize article. Did not
follow the 3 step framework.
Mostly poor, irrelevant,
unrelated detail about design
Mostly poor, irrelevant,
unrelated detail about
findings. Information missing
Poor written communication
Hard to understand
Below word count
Above word count
1st Primary research article
No Citation
Did not follow the 3 step
framework
Paraphrasing & summary of
findings incorrect
Abstract provided
Incoherent writing.
Significant grammatical &/or
spelling errors
Well below word limit
Well above word limit
Missing summary
2nd Primary research article
Correct UniSA Harvard author-
date citation
Adequate attempt to
summarize the article using the
3 step framework.
Sufficient detail about design,
participants, data collection
methods and analysis.
In-depth detail about findings.
(about 50% of summary)
2nd Primary research article
Correct UniSA Harvard author-
date citation
Limited, superficial attempt to
summarize the article using the
3 step framework.
Too little detail about design,
participants, data collection
methods and analysis.
Too little detail about findings,
basic,inadequate.
2nd Primary research article
Incorrect UniSA Harvard
author-date citation
Mostly poor, irrelevant,
unrelated attempt to
summarize article. Did not
follow the 3 step framework.
Mostly poor, irrelevant,
unrelated detail about design
Mostly poor, irrelevant,
unrelated detail about
2nd Primary research article
No Citation
Did not follow the 3 step
framework
Paraphrasing & summary of
findings incorrect
Abstract provided
Incoherent writing.
Significant grammatical &/or
spelling errors
20189

Clearly written
Sound sentence structure
Adheres to word count
Not clearly written, some errors
Some confusing sentences
Adheres to word count
findings. Information missing
Poor written communication
Hard to understand
Below word count
Above word count
Well below word limit
Well above word limit
Missing summary
3rd Primary research article
Correct UniSA Harvard author-
date citation
Adequate attempt to
summarize the article using the
3 step framework.
Sufficient detail about design,
participants, data collection
methods and analysis.
In-depth detail about findings.
(about 50% of summary)
Clearly written
Sound sentence structure
Adheres to word count
3rd Primary research article
Correct UniSA Harvard author-
date citation
Limited, superficial attempt to
summarize the article using the
3 step framework.
Too little detail about design,
participants, data collection
methods and analysis.
Too little detail about findings,
basic,inadequate.
Not clearly written, some errors
Some confusing sentences
Adheres to word count
3rd Primary research article
Incorrect UniSA Harvard
author-date citation
Mostly poor, irrelevant,
unrelated attempt to
summarize article. Did not
follow the 3 step framework.
Mostly poor, irrelevant,
unrelated detail about design
Mostly poor, irrelevant,
unrelated detail about
findings. Information missing
Poor written communication
Hard to understand
Below word count
Above word count
3rd Primary research article
No Citation
Did not follow the 3 step
framework
Paraphrasing & summary of
findings incorrect
Abstract provided
Incoherent writing.
Significant grammatical &/or
spelling errors
Well below word limit
Well above word limit
Missing summary
4th Primary research article
Correct UniSA Harvard author-
date citation
Adequate attempt to
summarize the article using the
3 step framework.
Sufficient detail about design,
participants, data collection
methods and analysis.
In-depth detail about findings.
(about 50% of summary)
Clearly written
Sound sentence structure
4th Primary research article
Correct UniSA Harvard author-
date citation
Limited, superficial attempt to
summarize the article using the
3 step framework.
Too little detail about design,
participants, data collection
methods and analysis.
Too little detail about findings,
basic,inadequate.
Not clearly written, some errors
Some confusing sentences
4th Primary research article
Incorrect UniSA Harvard
author-date citation
Mostly poor, irrelevant,
unrelated attempt to
summarize article. Did not
follow the 3 step framework.
Mostly poor, irrelevant,
unrelated detail about design
Mostly poor, irrelevant,
unrelated detail about
findings. Information missing
Poor written communication
Hard to understand
4th Primary research article
No Citation
Did not follow the 3 step
framework
Paraphrasing & summary of
findings incorrect
Abstract provided
Incoherent writing.
Significant grammatical &/or
spelling errors
Well below word limit
Well above word limit
Missing summary
201810

Adheres to word count Adheres to word count Below word count
Above word count
DISCUSSION
(600 words)
40%
Includes all
requirements of a
Distinction AND
Exceptional
critical analysis
and capacity for
higher order,
original, creative
thinking
Innovative gaps
in knowledge or
practice identified
Sophisticated
ability to integrate
an impressive
range of
additional relevant
literature
Includes all
requirements of a
Credit AND
High level
comprehensive
attempt to compare
and contrast
findings from the 4
primary research
articles to answer
research question
Complex gaps in
knowledge or
practice identified
High level
comprehensive
ability to integrate
an impressive range
of additional
relevant literature
Includes all
requirements of a
P1 AND
Clear,
succinctattempt to
compare and
contrast findings
from the 4 primary
research articles to
answer the
research question
Existing gaps in
knowledge or
practice clearly
identified - what
still needs to be
known about the
problem
Adequate attempt to compare
and contrast findings from the
4 primary research articles
using approach learned in
Topic 3 to answer the research
question
Limited basic
descriptiveattempt to compare
and contrast findings from the 4
primary research articles using
approach learned in Topic 3 to
answer the research question.
Some inadequate sections.
Mostly irrelevant, unrelated
attempt to compare and
contrast findings using the
approach learned in Topic 3.
Less than 4 primary research
articles cited.
Hard to understand
As for Fail 1 &/or Incorrect
discussion of findings.
Did not cite primary research
articles in discussion. Only
cited other articles
Presented 4 summary
paragraphs – did not compare
or contrast findings.
Discussion section missing
Gaps in knowledge or practice
adequately identified - what
still needs to be known about
the problem
Gaps in knowledge or practice
identified at a basic
superficial level about what
still needs to be known about
the problem
Identified knowledge gaps
that were mostlyirrelevant
or unrelated
Failed to identify knowledge
gaps
Or completely incorrect or
irrelevant
Additional literature used is
relevant to the discussion and
research question.
Additional literature used is not
relevant to the discussion and
research question.
Coherent writing style with
minimal grammatical or spelling
errors.
Correct UniSA Harvard author-
date system for in-text citation,
paraphrasing & reference list.
Adheres to word count
Some incoherent writing.
Some grammatical / spelling
errors
Minor incorrect in-text citation,
paraphrasing; reference list.
Plagiarism, refer to AIO
Below word count
Above word count
Incoherent writing.
Significant grammatical &/or
spelling errors
Major incorrect in-text citation,
paraphrasing reference list.
CONCLUSION
(200 words)
10%
As for DN AND
Exceptional
interpretation
stimulates new
thoughts. Novel
future research
directions
As for CreditAND
Comprehensive
relevant conclusion
with links to theory
and thoughtful
future research
directions
As for P1 AND
Clear succinct
conclusion
Satisfactory conclusion
Clearly written and relevant to
research question.
Summarizes major points in a
non-repetitive manner
Discusses relevant future
directions for research.
Basic, superficial conclusion.
Limited relevance to research
question. Lacks depth.
Some irrelevant discussion
about future directions for
research
Mostly inadequate
conclusion Unclear.
Mostly irrelevant to the
research question
Repetitive information,
vague.
Mostly irrelevant future
directions
No conclusion provided.
Completely irrelevant
conclusion to the research
question.
No future directions discussed
Coherent, basic
writing style with minimal
grammatical or spelling errors.
Adheres to word count
Some incoherent
confusing writing.
Some grammatical / spelling
errors
Incoherent writing style
Significant grammatical &/or
spelling errors
SP6 2017 Template not used
201811

Below word count
Above word count
SP6 2017 Template altered
STUDENT: TUTOR: MARK:
Comments:
201812