A lifestyle physical activity intervention for caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's disease.
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the effects of lifestyle physical activity in caregivers (CGs) of persons with Alzheimer's disease.


METHODS
Fifteen CGs engaged in lifestyle physical activity during a 6-month, home-based health promotion program. Mean changes in self-reported physical activity were compared using repeated-measures analysis of variance.


RESULTS
Fifty percent of CGs increased total self-reported minutes and 42% increased total moderate minutes of physical activity from preintervention to postintervention; however, no CG engaged in vigorous physical activity and there were no significant improvements in self-reported physical activity for the total group. Hot summer weather, heavy non-caregiving responsibilities, heavy caregiving responsibilities, and feelings of anxiety, depressive symptoms, and fatigue were the most frequently identified physical activity barriers.


CONCLUSIONS
Incorporating an individualized, home-based program of lifestyle physical activity appears feasible; however, attention needs to be given in the future to physical activity barriers identified by this select group of CGs.
Farran
Carol J
CJ
College of Nursing, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA. Carol_J_Farran@rush.edu
Staffileno
Beth A
BA
Gilley
David W
DW
McCann
Judith J
JJ
Yan Li
Castro
Cynthia M
CM
King
Abby C
AC
D000368:Aged; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology; D017028:Caregivers / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology*; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006304:Health Status; D006701:Home Nursing / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires