Exercise effects on backward walking speed in people with dementia: A randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• Backward walking is crucial for daily activities but challenging for older adults, especially those with dementia affecting postural control.
• Dementia significantly impacts mobility and balance, necessitating targeted interventions to maintain functional independence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of a High-Intensity Functional Exercise (HIFE) program on backward walking speed in individuals with dementia.
• To determine if exercise effects on backward walking speed differ based on habitual walking aid use.

Main Methods:

• A cluster-randomized controlled trial (UMDEX) involving 186 participants with dementia (mean age 85) from 16 nursing homes.
• Participants were randomized to either a HIFE program or a seated attention control group.
• Backward walking speed was measured at baseline, 4 months, and 7 months, with and without walking aids.

Main Results:

• No significant between-group differences in backward walking speed were found at 4 or 7 months, regardless of walking aid use.
• A significant interaction effect at 7 months indicated that exercise improved backward walking speed in participants who habitually walked unaided.

Conclusions:

• The HIFE program did not demonstrate overall effectiveness in improving backward walking speed in nursing home residents with dementia.
• Exercise may offer benefits for backward walking speed in individuals with dementia who do not rely on walking aids, warranting further research.