Effects of a Physical Training Programme on Cognitive Function and Walking Efficiency in Elderly Persons with Dementia

Abstract

Objectives: To study the effects of physical stimulation based on walking exercises, equilibrium and endurance on cognitive function and walking efficiency in patients with dementia. Methods: Randomized controlled trial including 31 subjects suffering from dementia (age: 81.8 ± 5.3 years). The intervention group (n = 16) benefited from a 15-week physical activity programme involving three 1-hour sessions per week. The control group (n = 15) did not practice any physical activities. Before and after rehabilitation, all subjects were evaluated with the Rapid Evaluation of Cognitive Functions test (ERFC French version) and walking analysis. Results: After the 15 weeks of rehabilitation, the subjects from the intervention group improved their overall ERFC score (p < 0.01), while those in the control group decreased their overall ERFC score. Interactions were also observed between walking parameters and groups (p < 0.01); the intervention group improved walking capacities through heightened walking speed, stride length and a reduction in double limb support time. Lastly, the subjects from the control group presented a reduction in both walking speed and stride length. Conclusion: This study shows that a physical activity programme can slow cognitive decline and improve quality of walking in elderly persons suffering from dementia.

Effects of Physical Exercise on Health and Well-Being of Individuals Living With a Dementia in Nursing Homes: A Systematic Review

“…Full texts of the remaining 102 studies were read and the inclusion criteria applied: 15 eligible studies of which three were excluded due to low methodological quality. Twelve studies were included in the systematic review: 11 RCTs (12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20)(21)(22)(23)(24) and one cluster RCTs (25) , of which one RCT had generated three separate publications. Williams C (2015 pers.…”

Impact of physical activity and sedentary behaviour on fall risks in older people: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

“…Exercises can heighten or maintain balance [52,53], gait (e.g. walking speed [53], walking efficiency [54]), muscle strength [24] (e.g. ankle strengthening [53], physical strength [55]) and can also slow down physical deterioration in older people residing in nursing homes [53].…”

Exercise as a pro-cognitive, pro-neurogenic and anti-inflammatory intervention in transgenic mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease

“…Despite this shortcoming, it has been consistently reported that exercise is associated with a reduced risk of dementia and the level of reported physical activity correlates with the incidence of dementia across a number of studies (Andel et al, 2008;Buchman et al, 2012;Larson et al, 2006;Ravaglia et al, 2008). Randomised controlled trials, although few in number, also support exercise as a pro-cognitive intervention in individuals diagnosed with dementia (de Andrade et al, 2013;Kemoun et al, 2010;Van de Winckel et al, 2004;Venturelli et al, 2011;Vreugdenhil et al, 2012). Recently, Coelho et al (2014) reported an increase in plasma BDNF levels in AD patients and healthy controls following a single bout of exercise on the treadmill, this result however was not accompanied by any cognitive testing.…”