TY - JOUR
T1 - An intensive exercise program improves motor performances in patients with dementia
T2 - Translational model of geriatric rehabilitation
AU - Schwenk, Michael
AU - Dutzi, Ilona
AU - Englert, Stefan
AU - Micol, William
AU - Najafi, Bijan
AU - Mohler, Jane
AU - Hauer, Klaus
PY - 2014
Y1 - 2014
N2 - 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.
AB - 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.
KW - Cognitive impairment
KW - dementia
KW - exercise
KW - geriatrics
KW - rehabilitation
KW - resistance training
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U2 - 10.3233/JAD-130470
DO - 10.3233/JAD-130470
M3 - Article
C2 - 24217275
AN - SCOPUS:84894188933
VL - 39
SP - 487
EP - 498
JO - Journal of Alzheimer's Disease
JF - Journal of Alzheimer's Disease
SN - 1387-2877
IS - 3
ER -