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Int J Sports Med 2008; 29(10): 845-850
DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1038432
Clinical Sciences

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Exercise Training is Beneficial for Alzheimer's Patients

E. Santana-Sosa1 , M. I. Barriopedro1 , L. M. López-Mojares1 , M. Pérez1 , A. Lucia1
  • 1Department of Physiology, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
Further Information

Publication History

accepted after revision February 8, 2008

Publication Date:
09 April 2008 (online)

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Abstract

Decreased ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) associated with deterioration in physical capacity are key determinants of the poor quality of life and loss of independence of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a 12-week training program (including resistance, flexibility, joint mobility and balance/coordination exercises) for Spanish patients with AD on their i) overall functional capacity (muscle strength and flexibility, agility and balance while moving, and endurance fitness), and ii) ability to perform ADLs. Using a randomized block design, 16 patients were assigned to a training (mean [SD] age: 76 [4] yrs) or control group (73 [4] yrs) (n = 8 subjects [3 male, 5 female] per group). The results showed significant improvements after training (p < 0.05) in upper and lower body muscle strength and flexibility, agility and dynamic balance, and endurance fitness (using the Senior Fitness test), gait and balance abilities (with subsequent decrease in risk of falls) (Tinetti scale) and in the ability to perform ADLs independently (Katz and Barthel scores). No changes (p > 0.05) were found in the control group over the 12-week period. Exercise training could be included in the overall medical/nursing care protocol for patients with AD.

Key words

activities of daily living - physical activity - elderly - resistance training - neurological disease

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Prof. Alejandro Lucia

Department of Physiology
Universidad Europea De Madrid

Villaviciosa de Odón

28670 Madrid

Spain

Phone: + 34 9 16 64 78 00

Fax: + 34 9 16 16 82 65

Email: alejandro.lucia@uem.es