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Published on: March 7, 2020
Effects of a community-based structured group exercise program on cognitive and physical function among older adults
Al Amin1, Kazi Md Azman Hossain1, Mohammad Ramiz Uddin1
1Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Jashore University of Science and Technology (JUST), Jashore, 7408, Bangladesh.
BMC Geriatrics
|May 9, 2026
Summary
This study investigates a community exercise program for older adults with dementia in Bangladesh. Findings are expected to show exercise improves cognitive and physical function, supporting its integration into dementia care.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neuroscience
- Public Health
Background:
- Dementia significantly impairs cognitive and daily functioning, reducing independence and quality of life.
- Pharmacological treatments offer limited relief; non-pharmacological interventions like exercise show promise.
- Evidence for community-based structured exercise in dementia care, especially in low-resource settings, is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of a community-based structured group exercise program on cognitive and physical function in older adults with dementia.
- To assess the feasibility, safety, and cost-effectiveness of integrating exercise into dementia care in resource-limited settings.
Main Methods:
- Assessor-blinded, community-based randomized controlled trial in Bangladesh (February-September 2026).
- 120 older adults with dementia randomized to: structured group exercise + lifestyle advice (experimental) or lifestyle advice alone (control).
- Intervention: 12 weeks of supervised exercise sessions (3x/week) followed by 12-week follow-up. Cognitive and physical functions assessed at baseline, 12 weeks, and follow-up.
Main Results:
- Cognitive function assessed via MMSE, ACE-R, TMT A-B, DST.
- Physical function measured by SFT, BBS, TUG Test, and IADLs.
- Data analysis using SPSS with intention-to-treat principle.
Conclusions:
- Expected findings will support physiotherapist-led, community-based exercise as a feasible, safe, and cost-effective approach for dementia care.
- The study will provide valuable insights into sustainable rehabilitation practices in resource-limited settings.
- Results aim to improve cognitive and physical function in older adults with dementia.
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