This site uses cookies to measure how you use the website so it can be updated and improved based on your needs and also uses cookies to help remember the notifications you’ve seen, like this one, so that we don’t show them to you again. If you could also tell us a little bit about yourself, this information will help us understand how we can support you better and make this site even easier for you to use and navigate.

An intensive exercise program improves motor performances in patients with dementia: translational model of geriatric rehabilitation

Authors

Schwenk, Michael, Dutzi, Ilona, Englert, Stefan, Micol, William, Najafi, Bijan, Mohler, Jane, Hauer, Klaus

Journal

Journal Of Alzheimer's Disease: JAD, Volume: 39, No.: 3, Pages.: 487-498

Year of Publication

2014

Abstract

Background: Translation of intensive exercise programs developed specifically for patients with dementia into clinical settings is lacking.; Objective: To determine if a progressive resistance and functional training program, previously evaluated in dementia outpatients, can be implemented in a geriatric inpatient setting in order to improve motor performances in patients with dementia.; Methods: Eligible patients in one ward of a German geriatric hospital were assigned to the intervention group (IG, n = 74) and received intensive exercise training specifically designed for patients with dementia. Patients in the second ward were observed as a control group (CG, n = 74). All patients received usual care treatment. Primary endpoints were maximal lower extremity strength measured by a leg-press device and duration of the 5-chair-stand test for functional performance. Secondary outcomes included a number of parameters for strength and function.; Results: The rehabilitation period averaged 18.1 ± 6.8 days. The IG significantly improved in both primary endpoints (change: maximal strength, IG: +51.9 ± 42.3% versus CG: +13.5 ± 51.8%, p < 0.001; functional performance, IG: -19.2 ± 22.3% versus CG: -3.8 ± 32.2% s, p = 0.037). Secondary outcomes confirmed effects for strength and some, but not all, functional parameters. Interestingly, low baseline motor status, but not cognitive status, predicted positive training response.; Conclusion: An intensive exercise program can be implemented in a geriatric rehabilitation setting to improve motor performances in patients with dementia. Results suggest that an intensification of training is feasible in the target group and substantially increases the benefits in comparison to receiving usual care exercise only.;

Keywords

activities of daily living, aged, aged, 80 and over, cognitive impairment, complications, dementia, etiology, exercise, exercise therapy, female, geriatrics, health services for the aged, humans, leg, male, methods, movement disorders, patient compliance, physiology, psychiatric status rating scales, psychology, rehabilitation, resistance training, strength, treatment outcome

Countries of Study

Germany

Types of Dementia

Dementia (general / unspecified)

Types of Study

Non randomised controlled trial

Type of Outcomes

Other

Settings

Hospital Inpatient Care

Type of Interventions

Non-pharmacological Treatment

Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions

Exercise (inc. dancing)