Promoting independence in Lewy body dementia through exercise (PRIDE) study: Protocol for a pilot study.

Area of Science:

• Neurodegenerative Diseases
• Gerontology
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) is a prevalent, aggressive neurodegenerative disorder with complex motor and cognitive symptoms.
• Individuals with LBD often face exclusion from clinical trials, leading to a scarcity of research on effective interventions.
• Existing research on exercise interventions for LBD is limited, highlighting a critical gap in understanding potential benefits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effect of a structured exercise intervention on functional independence in individuals with LBD.
• To assess the impact of exercise on cognitive, physical, psychosocial, and quality of life measures in the LBD population.
• To provide foundational data for future, larger-scale clinical trials investigating exercise for LBD.

Main Methods:

• The PRomoting Independence in Lewy Body Dementia through Exercise (PRIDE) trial employed a non-randomised, crossover pilot study design.
• Participants underwent an 8-week wait-list usual care period followed by an 8-week progressive resistance and balance training program.
• The intervention consisted of 3 supervised 1-hour exercise sessions per week, delivered by an Accredited Exercise Physiologist.

Main Results:

• The PRIDE trial is the first controlled study to assess a comprehensive exercise intervention in a cohort of individuals with LBD.
• The study will yield essential data on the feasibility and impact of exercise on primary and secondary outcomes in LBD.
• Findings will inform the design and implementation of future clinical trials targeting LBD management through exercise.

Conclusions:

• The PRIDE study represents a significant step in evaluating exercise interventions for Lewy Body Dementia.
• This research will offer critical insights into the potential of exercise to improve functional independence and other key measures in LBD.
• The results are expected to guide the development of more robust clinical trials for LBD patients.