title: Efficacy of physical exercise intervention on mobility and physical functioning in older people with dementia: a systematic review.
abstract: Numerous trials have shown that physical activity and exercise training have beneficial effects in general older populations. However, few have studied its effectiveness among people with dementia. The aim of this systematic review is to examine the efficacy of trials using a rigorous randomised, controlled design and including physical activity or exercise as a major component of intervention on the physical functioning, mobility and functional limitations of people with dementia. We found 20 randomised controlled trials that included a total of 1378 participants. Of these, only three were of high methodological quality, and six of moderate quality. Nevertheless, these studies consistently show that intensive physical rehabilitation enhances mobility and, when administered over a long period, may also improve the physical functioning of patients with dementia.
authors.affiliation: Helsinki University Central Hospital, Unit of General Practice and Primary Health Care and University of Helsinki, Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care, Finland. kaisu.pitkala@helsinki.fi
authors.forename: Kaisu
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Pitkälä
authors.forename: Niina
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Savikko
authors.forename: Minna
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Poysti
authors.forename: Timo
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Strandberg
authors.forename: Marja-Liisa
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Laakkonen
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D003704:Dementia / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D051346:Mobility Limitation; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012111:Residence Characteristics