Contribution of a multicomponent intervention on functional capacity and independence on activities of daily living in individuals with neurocognitive disorder

Abstract

Background To examine the effects of a 6-month multicomponent (MT) exercise intervention in the functional capacity and ability to independently perform activities of daily living (ADL) of individuals diagnosed with neurocognitive disorder (NCD). Methods A quasi-experimental controlled trial with a parallel design study was conducted in multicentered community-based settings. Forty-three individuals (N Female: 30) were allocated to an exercise group (EG; N: 23; mean 75.09, SD = 5.54 years) or a control group (CG; N:20; mean 81.90, SD = 1.33 years). The EG engaged in a 6-month MT program (60-min sessions, twice a week). Exercise sessions were divided into a warm-up, specific training (e.g., coordination and balance, lower and upper body strength, and aerobics), and cool down. Lower body function, mobility, and gait speed were evaluated through Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), Timed-Up and Go test (TUG) and 6-Meter Walk test, respectively. The Barthel Index (BI) was administered to assess individuals’ ADL independence. Evaluations were performed before and after the 6-month intervention. Results Linear Mixed Models revealed a statistically significant interaction (time X group) effect factor on SPPB (B = 2.33, 95% CI: 1.39–3.28, p < 0.001), TUG (B = − 11.15, 95% CI: − 17.23 – − 5.06, p = 0.001), and 6-Meter Walk test (B = 0.17, 95% CI: 0.08–0.25, p < 0.001). No differences between groups or assessment moments were found in the ability of individuals to independently perform ADL. Conclusions The 6-month MT exercise intervention improves the functional capacity of older adults living with NCD. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov – identifier number NCT04095962; retrospectively registered on 19 September 2019.

Does Multicomponent Physical Exercise Training Work for Dementia? Exploring the Effects on Cognition, Neuropsychiatric Symptoms, and Quality of Life

“…Previous studies attested MT effectiveness in improving individuals with NCD lower body function, 30,31 gait speed and mobility. 30,39 However, less evidence has been shown on the effects of MT physical exercise interventions on psychosocial outcomes. [40][41][42] Previous meta-analytic and systematic review studies indicated that physical exercise interventions might improve cognitive function, or slow down the decline in individuals with major NCD; still, findings have been inconsistent across studies.…”

“…The results from this study suggest that a 6-month MT physical exercise intervention was not effective in improving cognitive function, neuropsychiatric symptomatology, and quality of life of older adults diagnosed with major NCD. Previous studies attested MT effectiveness in improving individuals with NCD lower body function, 30 , 31 gait speed and mobility. 30 , 39 However, less evidence has been shown on the effects of MT physical exercise interventions on psychosocial outcomes.…”

“…Previous studies attested MT effectiveness in improving individuals with NCD lower body function, 30 , 31 gait speed and mobility. 30 , 39 However, less evidence has been shown on the effects of MT physical exercise interventions on psychosocial outcomes. 40 - 42 …”

“…[23][24][25][26] Multicomponent training (MT) (i.e., a combination of balance, strength, aerobic, gait and physical function training) 27 has been recently recommended for older adults with Alzheimer's disease 2,28,29 and would seem advisable to individuals with major NCD due to other etiological conditions (e.g., vascular disease). Nevertheless, despite its positive influence on functional capacity, 30,31 few studies have focused on its effects on psychosocial outcomes. This study aims to explore the contribution of a 6-month community-based MT physical exercise intervention on the cognitive function, neuropsychiatric symptomatology, and quality of life of older adults diagnosed with major NCD.…”

Contributing Factors for (Non)Adherence to a Physical Exercise Program for People With Neurocognitive Disorder From the Caregivers’ Perspective

“…The effects of physical activity (PA), specifically exercise, as a nonpharmaceutical approach to prevent, delay, or reverse the course of NCD have been extensively explored. [1][2][3] A large body of evidence highlights the potential benefits of PA and exercise on cognitive function, [4][5][6] ability to independently perform activities of daily living (ADL), 7 functional capacity, 8,9 and physical fitness 10 in individuals with NCD. Yet, this population is reported to be highly sedentary, and the small amount of PA they perform tends to be of lower intensity when compared with their healthy peers.…”