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Effect of aerobic exercise on physical performance in patients with Alzheimer's disease
Author(s) -
Sobol Nanna Aue,
Hoffmann Kristine,
Frederiksen Kristian Steen,
Vogel Asmus,
Vestergaard Karsten,
Brændgaard Hans,
Gottrup Hanne,
Lolk Annette,
Wermuth Lene,
Jakobsen Søren,
Laugesen Lars,
Gergelyffy Robert,
Høgh Peter,
Bjerregaard Eva,
Siersma Volkert,
Andersen Birgitte Bo,
Johannsen Peter,
Waldemar Gunhild,
Hasselbalch Steen Gregers,
Beyer Nina
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
alzheimer's and dementia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 6.713
H-Index - 118
eISSN - 1552-5279
pISSN - 1552-5260
DOI - 10.1016/j.jalz.2016.05.004
Subject(s) - cardiorespiratory fitness , aerobic exercise , physical therapy , medicine , attendance , randomized controlled trial , physical medicine and rehabilitation , disease , physical fitness , aerobic capacity , psychology , economics , economic growth
Knowledge about the feasibility and effects of exercise programs to persons with Alzheimer's disease is lacking. This study investigated the effect of aerobic exercise on physical performance in community‐dwelling persons with mild Alzheimer's disease. Methods The single blinded multi‐center RCT (ADEX) included 200 patients, median age 71 yrs (50‐89). The intervention group received supervised moderate‐to‐high intensity aerobic exercise 1 hour × 3/week for 16 weeks. Assessments included cardiorespiratory fitness, single‐task physical performance, dual‐task performance and exercise self‐efficacy. Results Significant between‐group differences in change from baseline (mean [95%CI]) favored the intervention group for cardiorespiratory fitness (4.0 [2.3‐5.8] ml/kg/min, P <0.0001) and exercise self‐efficacy (1.7 [0.5‐2.8] points, P =0.004). Furthermore, an exercise attendance of ≥66.6% resulted in significant positive effects on single‐task physical performance and dual‐task performance. Discussion Aerobic exercise has the potential to improve cardiorespiratory fitness, single‐task physical performance, dual‐task performance and exercise self‐efficacy in community‐dwelling patients with mild Alzheimer's disease.