title: Effectiveness of a 16-Week Multimodal Exercise Program on Individuals With Dementia: Study Protocol for a Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The increasing prevalence of dementia in the next decades is accompanied by various societal and economic problems. Previous studies have suggested that physical activity positively affects motor and cognitive skills in individuals with dementia (IWD). However, there is insufficient evidence probably related to several methodological limitations. Moreover, to date adequate physical activity interventions specifically developed for IWD are lacking.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of a multimodal exercise program (MEP) on motor and cognitive skills in IWD in a high-quality multicenter trial.
  
  
  METHODS
  A multicenter randomized controlled trial with baseline and postassessments will be performed. It is planned to enroll 405 participants with dementia of mild to moderate stage, aged 65 years and older. The intervention group will participate in a 16-week ritualized MEP especially developed for IWD. The effectiveness of the MEP on the primary outcomes balance, mobility, and gait will be examined using a comprehensive test battery. Secondary outcomes are strength and function of lower limbs, activities of daily living, and cognition (overall cognition, language, processing speed, learning and memory, and visual spatial cognition).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Enrollment for the study started in May 2015. It is planned to complete postassessments by the beginning of 2017. Results are expected to be available in the first half of 2017.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study will contribute to enhancing evidence for the effects of physical activity on motor and cognitive skills in IWD. Compared to previous studies, this study is characterized by a dementia-specific intervention based on scientific knowledge, a combination of motor and cognitive tasks in the intervention, and high standards regarding methodology. Findings are highly relevant to influence the multiple motor and cognitive impairments of IWD who are often participating in limited physical activity.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00010538; https://drks-neu.uniklinik-freiburg.de/drks_web/navigate.do?navigationId=trial.HTML&TRIAL_ID=DRKS00010538 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6oVGMbbMD).
authors.affiliation: Institute of Sports and Sports Science, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany.
authors.forename: Sandra
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-1874-0723
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Trautwein
authors.affiliation: Institute of Sports and Sports Science, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany.
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0003-0901-9288
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Scharpf
authors.affiliation: Institute of Sports and Sports Science, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany.
authors.forename: Bettina
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4801-2310
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Barisch-Fritz
authors.affiliation: Institute of Sports and Sports Science, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany.
authors.forename: Christina
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-2087-5328
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Niermann
authors.affiliation: Institute of Sports and Sports Science, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany.
authors.forename: Alexander
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-5736-2980
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Woll
keywords: activities of daily living; cognition; dementia; exercise; gait; physical activity; postural balance