Effects of physical training on the physical capacity of frail, demented patients with a history of falling: a randomised controlled trial.
BACKGROUND
to develop a physical training programme to improve balance in dependent, demented, people with a history of falling, and so decrease falls and increase autonomy.


METHODS
the study was undertaken on 20 demented elderly people with a history of falling with an average age of 81.4+/-4.7 years and an average mini mental state score of 16.3+/-6.5. They had all passed 'get up and go', 'chair sit and reach', walking speed and static balance tests. They were assigned to a control group or a training group; the latter were trained with two sessions a week for 16 weeks.


RESULTS
walking, mobility, flexibility and static balance were significantly improved in the training group (P<0.05), but not in the controls. The trained subjects did not suffer a relapse, while the controls did during the training period.


CONCLUSIONS
the balance of frail, demented, elderly patients with a history of falling can be improved by training.
Toulotte
Claire
C
Laboratoire d'Etudes de la Motricité Humaine (L.E.M.H.), Faculté des Sciences du Sport et de l'Education Physique, Université de Lille 2, 9 rue de l'Université, 59790 Ronchin, France. xavier.delattre2@libertysurf.fr
Fabre
Claudine
C
Dangremont
Bénédicte
B
Lensel
Ghislaine
G
Thévenon
André
A
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000145:classification; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D003704:Dementia / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D016330:Frail Elderly; D005602:France; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008609:Mental Status Schedule; D010806:Physical Education and Training; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology*; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology*; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology