Does physical exercise improve the capacity for independent living in people with dementia or mild cognitive impairment: an overview of systematic reviews and meta-analyses

Abstract

Objective To summarise existing systematic reviews which assessed the effects of physical exercise on activities of daily living, walking, balance and visual processing in people with dementia or mild cognitive impairment Methods In this overview of systematic reviews and meta-analyses, seven electronic databases were searched to identify eligible reviews published between January 2015 and April 2021. Results A total of 30 systematic reviews were identified and included in the overview. The most frequent type of exercise for the intervention group was multimodal exercises. Mind-body exercises, exergames, dance intervention and aerobic exercise were other exercise types. Most of the reviews reported that exercise is significantly effective for improving activities of daily living (SMD 95%CI, from 0.27 to 1.44), walking (SMD 95%CI, from 0.08 to 2.23), balance (SMD 95%CI, from 0.37 to 2.24) and visuospatial function (SMD 95%CI, from 0.16 to 0.51), which are among the most leading determinants of independent living in individuals with dementia or mild cognitive impairment. Conclusion Evidence has shown that exercise (especially multicomponent exercise programmes including cognitive, physical and multitasking exercises) with sufficient intensity improves the activities of daily living skills. Exercise also improves walking, balance and visual processing, which can provide a more independent life for people with dementia and mild cognitive impairment. Cognitively impaired people should therefore be encouraged to exercise regularly in order to be more independent. Supplemental data for this article is available online at http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13607863.2021.2019192

Effect of Physical Exercise on Cognitive Function of Alzheimer's Disease Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Numerous studies have shown that physical exercise is associated with positive effects on brain health ( 23 – 25 ). High levels of aerobic exercise have been associated with improved brain volume and factors of cognitive decline ( 26 , 27 ). Some studies have shown that aerobic exercise can boost brain plasticity ( 28 ), reduce hippocampal atrophy ( 29 ), and even increase the hippocampus ( 30 ).…”

Physical Activity Patterns and Cognitive Health among Older Adults in the United States

“…One possible explanation is that a higher dose of PA (i.e., higher intensity or frequency) confers more cognitive health benefits (Gallardo-Gómez et al, 2022; Sanders et al, 2019). Another reason is that participation in multiple types of PA activities (e.g., aerobic exercise, resistance training, flexibility, coordination, and balance) is more effective in improving global cognition and the activities of daily living skills compared to a single form of PA (Begde et al, 2021; Huang et al, 2022; Rezola-Pardo et al, 2020). For example, a recent clinical trial conducted in Spain showed that a PA intervention with multiple types of PA conferred greater improvements in physical performance than a walking intervention and can therefore support a more independent life for older adults (Rezola-Pardo et al, 2020).…”

Multimodal home-based rehabilitation intervention after discharge from inpatient geriatric rehabilitation (GeRas): study protocol for a multicenter randomized controlled trial

“…In its implementation, GR follows a multidimensional approach including diagnostic and therapeutic measures. Physical exercise is a cornerstone of GR and focuses on improving mobility, endurance, balance, and strength, which are relevant predictors for independent living [ 8 – 11 ]. Even though several months of exercise are necessary to most effectively improve balance and strength [ 12 , 13 ], the average length of stay in inpatient GR is limited to three weeks throughout Europe [ 6 ].…”