Increasing Physical Activity in Persons With Dementia: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• Dementia significantly impacts physical activity (PA) levels, contributing to functional decline.
• Effective interventions are needed to promote and sustain PA in individuals with dementia.
• Understanding predictors of PA change is crucial for personalized interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness and sustainability of a physical activity promotion and motor training program for individuals with mild-to-moderate dementia.
• To identify predictors of changes in physical activity levels post-intervention.

Main Methods:

• 122 participants with mild-to-moderate dementia were randomized into an intervention group (PA promotion and motor training) or a control group (motor placebo activity).
• Physical Activity Questionnaire for the Elderly (PAQE) was administered at baseline, 3-month intervention, and 3-month follow-up.
• Statistical analyses were performed to compare groups and identify predictors of PA changes.

Main Results:

• The intervention group showed a significant increase in PA compared to the control group during the intervention phase.
• Both groups demonstrated increased habitual PA when excluding intervention-specific activities.
• PA levels were sustained at the 3-month follow-up in both groups.
• Low baseline PA predicted increased PA post-intervention; low baseline PA, high motor performance, and low comorbidity predicted sustained PA increases at follow-up.

Conclusions:

• Physical activity promotion programs can effectively increase and sustain PA in individuals with dementia.
• Baseline PA levels, motor performance, and comorbidity are important factors influencing PA changes in this population.
• These findings support the integration of PA interventions into dementia care to improve health outcomes.