title: Effects and feasibility of an exercise intervention for individuals living with dementia in nursing homes: study protocol.
abstract: Worldwide, there are an estimated 35.6 million individuals living with dementia. It is important that non-pharmacological therapies are utilized to help manage the symptoms of dementia, such as agitation, as they are the recommended first approach in best practice guidelines.
  
  
  
  This protocol outlines a randomized controlled trial with a qualitative component which evaluated the effects and feasibility of a physical therapist-led physical exercise intervention on agitation of individuals living with dementia in nursing homes. Physical performance levels were considered as a secondary outcome. This evidence-based protocol consisted of a range of adaptable physical exercises that targeted strength, balance, endurance, and flexibility. To help determine the optimum parameters for this population group, the study used two intervention groups: (a) physical exercise intervention for 45 minutes once a week; (b) physical exercise intervention for 15 minutes three times a week (total time also 45 minutes per week). Both intervention groups were compared to a control group, which continued to participate in usual care only (no specific physical exercise intervention), such as basic seated exercise class, carpet bowls, and "armchair" activities.
  
  
  
  The physical therapist-led physical exercise intervention detailed in this protocol could be integrated into dementia care in nursing homes or other similar settings to help reduce agitation and improve physical performance.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Science Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, NSW 2522, Australia.
authors.forename: Lindsey
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-1141-2030
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Brett
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Science Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, NSW 2522, Australia.
authors.forename: Victoria
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Traynor
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Science Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, NSW 2522, Australia.
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Stapley
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Science Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, NSW 2522, Australia.
authors.forename: Shahla
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Meedya
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001315:Australia; D003704:Dementia / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D015444:Exercise; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006707:Homes for the Aged; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D009735:Nursing Homes; D012107:Research Design; D016037:Single-Blind Method
keywords: aged care; agitation; dementia; exercise; nursing home