Treadmill training as an augmentation treatment for Alzheimer?s disease: a pilot randomized controlled study

Abstract

Objective: To assess the effect of aerobic exercise on the cognition and functional capacity in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. Method: Elderly (n=20) with mild dementia (NINCDS-ADRDA/CDR1) were randomly assigned to an exercise group (EG) on a treadmill (30 minutes, twice a week and moderate intensity of 60% VO 2max ) and control group (GC) 10 patients. The primary outcome measure was the cognitive function using Cambridge Cognitive Examination (CAMCOG). Specifics instruments were also applied to evaluate executive function, memory, attention and concentration, cognitive flexibility, inhibitory control and functional capacity. Results: After 16 weeks, the EG showed improvement in cognition CAMCOG whereas the CG declined. Compared to the CG, the EG presented significant improvement on the functional capacity. The analysis of the effect size has shown a favorable response to the physical exercise in all dependent variables. Conclusion: Walking on treadmill may be recommended as an augmentation treatment for patients with AD.Keywords: Alzheimer's disease, aerobic exercise, physical training, cognitive function, functional capacity. RESUMOObjetivo: Avaliar o efeito do exercício aeróbio na cognição e na capacidade funcional em pacientes com Doença de Alzheimer (DA). Método: Idosos (n=20) com demência leve ((NINCDS-ADRDA/CDR1) foram randomizados em grupo exercício (GE) na esteira (30 minutos, 2 vezes por semana e intensidade moderada de 60% VO 2max )e grupo controle (GC) 10 pacientes. A medida principal foi a função cognitiva através do Cambridge Cognitive Examination (CAMCOG). Instrumentos específicos também foram aplicados para avaliar a função executiva, atenção e concentração, flexibilidade cognitiva, controle inibitório e capacidade funcional. Resultados: Após 16 semanas, o GE mostrou melhora na cognição CAMCOG enquanto o CG declinou. Comparado ao GC, o GE apresentou melhora significativa na capacidade funcional. A análise do tamanho de efeito mostrou resposta favorável do exercício físico em todas as variáveis dependentes. Conclusão: Caminhar na esteira pode ser recomendado como um tratamento adicional para pacientes com doença de Alzheimer.Palavras-chave: doença de Alzheimer, exercício aeróbio, treinamento físico, função cognitiva, capacidade funcional.

Effect of exercise on cognitive function in chronic disease patients: a meta-analysis and systematic review of randomized controlled trials

“…In the included studies, the sample size ranged from 2024 to 27837 participants. Thirteen studies examined the effect of exercise on cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer’s disease 24,25,27,28,30,34,43,46,50,52,54–56.…”

“…In the included studies, the sample size ranged from 2024 to 27837 participants. Thirteen studies examined the effect of exercise on cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer’s disease 24,25,27,28,30,34,43,46,50,52,54–56. Nine studies examined the effect of exercise on cognitive function in patients with mild cognitive impairment 33,37–39,47,48,53,57,58.…”

Exercise Regulation of Cognitive Function and Neuroplasticity in the Healthy and Diseased Brain

“…13 Moreover, a 16-week exercise intervention (treadmill, 30 min, twice a week and moderate intensity of 60% VO 2 max) aids in cognitive functioning of elderly adults suffering from mild dementia. 14 Thus, exercising a few times a week for approximately 30-45 min at a moderate level of intensity improves mental health in humans.…”

Reducing Aβ load and tau phosphorylation: Emerging perspective for treating Alzheimer's disease

“…Therefore non-pharmacological approaches can be an alternative or a supplement to other treatments and can be practised followed via advice from your doctor about the way in which it should be practised (Arcoverde et al, 2014).…”