Effects of functional physical activity on the maintenance of motor function in Alzheimer's disease

Abstract

It is widely known that older adults, even frail individuals, can improve their physical function using appropriately targeted exercise. Nevertheless, older adults with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) have been excluded from the majority of studies on exercise. The functional-task physical activity program is based on activities of daily living, and may be suited for elderly people with AD because it focuses on the maintenance and stimulation of preserved abilities. In addition, session costs are substantially reduced by adopting a group approach. Furthermore, the group approach may improve the social interaction of the demented patient.ObjectivesTo determine whether a functional-task physical activity program in groups can maintain motor function in elderly with AD.Methods10 elderly diagnosed with mild or moderate AD were assigned into one of two groups: subjects with and without intervention. The intervention consisted of a 12-week function-task physical activity program in groups. Measurements: activities of daily living (Katz and Lawton & Brody questionnaires), mobility (Timed Up and Go Test, Timed Up and Go manual Test and Timed Up and Go Cognitive Test), cognition (Mini-Mental State Examination), behavioral disturbances (Neuropsychiatric Inventory I-brief) and functional balance (Berg Balance Scale).ResultsA statistically significant difference between the two groups was found regarding the functional balance mean change measured by Berg scale score (p=0.046). A significant improvement of 1.60 points (95%CI[0.22;2.98]) was observed in the intervention group on this scale, while the non-intervention group showed –0.40 points (95%CI[–1.78;0.98], no change).ConclusionsIt is possible to treat mild and moderate Alzheimer’s patients using a group approach. The functional task physical activity program was efficient in functional balance improvement and also appeared to prevent mobility decline.

Effects of physical activity and exercise on the cognitive function of patients with Alzheimer disease: a meta-analysis

“…Descriptive characteristics for 13 included studies are presented in Table 1. Of the 13 trials, seven were based in China [15–21], two in Brazil [22, 23], and one each in Italy [24], Australia [25], Germany [26] and Denmark [27]. In total, the trials included 673 participants, with 200 recruited from one trial [27].…”

Recommendations for assessing motor performance in individuals with dementia: suggestions of an expert panel – a qualitative approach

“…Use of a walking aid is allowed. Balance scales Berg Balance Scale [ 40 ] Functional balance, balance impairment [ 69 , 72 , 73 ] 14-item functional balance assessment with simple everyday tasks (reaching, bending, transferring, standing and rising) which are graded on a five-point ordinal scale (0 to 4). Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment [ 41 ] Gait and balance [ 74 , 75 ] Scale with two parts, assessing balance (sitting balance, rising from a chair and sitting down, standing balance with eyes open then closed, and turning balance) and gait (gait initiation, step length and height, symmetry, continuity, path direction, and trunk sway).…”

“… 8-ft up-and-go test [ 54 ] Speed, agility, and balance while moving [ 75 ] Standing up from a chair, walking 8 ft, turning around, walking back to the chair, and sitting down, while time is measured. Manual Timed Up & Go Test [ 76 , 77 ] Mobility [ 73 ] Timed Up & Go Test with additional manual task (carrying a glass of water). Cognitive Timed Up & Go Test [ 77 ] Mobility [ 73 ] Timed Up & Go Test with additional cognitive task (counting backwards by threes).…”

“… Manual Timed Up & Go Test [ 76 , 77 ] Mobility [ 73 ] Timed Up & Go Test with additional manual task (carrying a glass of water). Cognitive Timed Up & Go Test [ 77 ] Mobility [ 73 ] Timed Up & Go Test with additional cognitive task (counting backwards by threes). Walk tests / instrumented gait analysis 6-m walk test [ 45 ] Mobility, walking speed [ 33 , 34 , 68 ] Walking 6 m with comfortable pace while time is recorded.…”

Benefícios do cuidado fisioterapêutico em idosos com demência de Alzheimer: uma revisão integrativa

“…Os protocolos terapêuticos utilizados pelos pesquisadores e os resultados obtidos em seus respectivos estudos, estão expostos na Tabela 1. (FAJERSZTAJN et al, 2008;NASCIMENTO et al, 2012;FERREIRA et al, 2017).…”