Group physical activity for demented older adults feasibility and effectiveness.
OBJECTIVE
(1) To examine the feasibility of group physical activity in a day-care routine. (2) To assess the impact of this programme on functional fitness.


METHODS
Ten-week observational period, followed by 12 weeks of intervention in randomized controlled design, followed by 12 weeks of intervention only.


METHODS
A day-care centre for demented older individuals.


METHODS
Twenty-nine demented (Mini-Mental State Exam score 13.3 +/- 5.83) day-care attendees, mean +/- SD age 76.9 +/- 6.72.


METHODS
Group physical activity vs. social activity, followed by increased-intensity physical activity for both groups.


METHODS
Performance rate (PR) in physical activity sessions, Timed Get Up and Go (TGUG), Sit-to-Stand (STS) and Functional Reach (FR).


RESULTS
Approximately 60% of the participants performed almost all movements or repetitions in both intervention phases. No improvements were observed following the first phase of physical activity. A reduction of 3.2 seconds (+/-1.2 SE) was noted in the time needed to perform the TGUG following the increased-intensity physical activity.


CONCLUSIONS
A carefully tailored group physical activity, conducted twice weekly with a group of 12-15 participants in a medium size room, and led by a physical activity teacher assisted by a staff aide, is feasible. Although physical activity performed mainly while sitting is ineffective, it can be effective to a meaningful degree when performed while standing or walking.
Netz
Yael
Y
The Zinman College of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Wingate Institute, Israel. neyael@wincol.ac.il
Axelrad
Salit
S
Argov
Ester
E
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003631:Day Care, Medical / Q000379:methods*; D003704:Dementia / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006126:Group Processes; D006299:Health Services for the Aged; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology*; D019370:Observation; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000502:physiology; D012919:Social Behavior; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome