title: Feasibility and perception of the impact from aerobic exercise in older adults with Alzheimer's disease.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The subjective experience of participating in aerobic exercise is unknown in Alzheimer's disease (AD).
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to understand the subjective perceptions of the feasibility and impact of a 6-month, moderate-intensity aerobic exercise intervention by older adults with AD and their family caregivers.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ten older adults with AD who completed the intervention and their family caregivers participated in four focus group interviews.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Four converging themes were identified: "There was no perceived positive change in cognitive symptoms," "The 6-month exercise program was socially rewarding," "The 6-month exercise program increased physical strength," and "Participation in aerobic exercise was a positive experience." Family caregivers further identified two additional themes: "The exercise program led to improved attitude in older adults with AD" and "The exercise program reduced caregiver stress."
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Aerobic exercise is a feasible and well-perceived intervention for older adults with AD and their family caregivers.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, Adult and Gerontological Nursing Cooperative, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, 55455, USA. yuxxx244@umn.edu
authors.forename: Fang
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Yu
authors.forename: Ruth M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Swartwood
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology*; D001294:Attitude to Health; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012944:Social Support; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000628:therapy