Positive effects of resistance training in frail elderly patients with dementia after long-term physical restraint.
This study investigated the effects of a multicomponent exercise intervention on muscle strength, incidence of falls and functional outcomes in frail elderly patients with dementia after long-term physical restraint, followed by 24 weeks of training cessation. Eighteen frail elderly patients with mild dementia (88.1 ± 5.1 years) performed a multicomponent exercise program, which consisted of 4 weeks of walking, balance and cognitive exercises, followed by 4 weeks of resistance exercise performed twice weekly [8-12 repetitions at 20-50 % of the one-repetition maximum (1RM)], combined with walking, balance and cognitive exercises. Before and after training, as well as after 24 weeks of training cessation, strength outcomes, Barthel Index, balance, gait ability, rise from a chair ability, dual task performance, incidence of falls and Mini-Mental State Examination were assessed. After the first 4 weeks of training, there was a significant improvement only in the balance test, whereas no additional changes were observed. However, after the second part of the training, the participants required significantly less time for the time-up-and-go test (P < 0.05), and improved the isometric hand grip, hip flexion and knee extension strength, as well as the leg press 1RM (P < 0.01). A significant reduction was also observed in the incidence of falls (P < 0.01). After 24 weeks of training cessation, abrupt decreases were observed in nearly all of the physical outcomes (P < 0.05). The exercise intervention improved strength, balance and gait ability in frail elderly patients with dementia after long-term physical restraint, and these benefits were lost after training cessation.
Department of Health Sciences, Public University of Navarre, Campus of Tudela Av. de Tarazona s/n, 31500, Tudela, Navarra, Spain.
Eduardo L
EL
Cadore
Ana B Bays
AB
Moneo
Marta Martinez
MM
Mensat
Andrea Rozas
AR
Muñoz
Alvaro
A
Casas-Herrero
Leocadio
L
Rodriguez-Mañas
Mikel
M
Izquierdo
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003704:Dementia / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D016330:Frail Elderly; D005684:Gait; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D004856:Postural Balance; D055070:Resistance Training / Q000379:methods*; D012149:Restraint, Physical; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology*