scholarly journals Effects of nutritional intervention by feeding high-protein foods containing BCAA for improving locomotive syndrome: Randomized Controlled Trial

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
YOSHIHIRO NAKAMURA ◽  
TARO FUNAMOTO ◽  
TAKUYA TAJIMA ◽  
HIROYUKI KIMURA ◽  
KOICHIRO HAMADA ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Mass ◽  
Motor Function ◽  
Exercise Intervention ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
High Protein ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Locomotive Syndrome ◽  
Effective Measure ◽  
Locomotion Training

Abstract [Purpose] Exercise guidance is an effective measure against locomotive syndrome. Appropriate nutritional management is also considered necessary in order to maintain the motor function. This study is the first exploratory and prospective research on the effects of exercise guidance and feeding high-protein foods in order to improve locomotive syndrome, in elderly people. [Method] We conducted a survey regarding five items related to locomotorium on the basic checklist prepared by the Japanese Ministry of Health, among men and women in their 60s and over living in Miyazaki Prefecture. Participation was solicited from those who responded “applicable” to three or more items, with those who gave their consent assigned to a food + exercise intervention group (EF group), an exercise intervention group (EX group), and a control group (C group) for research. Motor function surveys such as interviews, questionnaire, and locomotive syndrome risk test were conducted at the start of the study and three months later. The EX and EF groups were instructed to carry out locomotion training, while the EF group was asked to ingest one bag of high-protein test food daily immediately following exercise. The participants carried an activity meter and kept a record of their life in a diary during the study period. The EX and EF groups were encouraged to make recordings in a diary and carry an activity meter, while also getting a regular telephone contact once a week. [Results] An improvement in the motor function was observed in the EX and EF group compared to the C group via Locomotive syndrome risk testing. While the muscle mass decreased significantly during the study period in the C and EX group, no significant change was observed in limbs/trunk muscle mass in the EF group. [Conclusion] The locomotion training improved the results of the Locomotive syndrome risk testing. Although muscle mass decreased with exercise guidance alone, muscle mass loss was suppressed by feeding high-protein foods in addition to exercise. We conclude that feeding high-protein foods is useful for improving motor function and maintaining muscle mass, in addition to exercise guidance, as a measure against locomotive syndrome in elderly.

scholarly journals Can Muscle Mass Be Maintained with A Simple Resistance Intervention in the Older People? A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial in Thailand

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 140
Author(s):  
Bumnet Saengrut ◽  
Takeshi Yoda ◽  
Yumi Kimura ◽  
Yasuko Ishimoto ◽  
Rujee Rattanasathien ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Older People ◽  
Muscle Mass ◽  
Exercise Intervention ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Physiological Outcomes

The aging population is rapidly increasing worldwide. Sarcopenia is a common and important health problem among older people. The prevalence of sarcopenia among older Thai adults is increasing. Exercise intervention for sarcopenia prevention may significantly improve muscle strength, body balance, and muscle mass. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of a simple resistance intervention (SRI) program in preventing sarcopenia on physiological outcomes among community-dwelling older Thai adults. This study was a 12-week randomized controlled trial, which included 80 community-dwelling older adults in Chiang Mai, Thailand, who were randomly assigned into control (40 participants who performed usual exercise) and intervention (40 participants who performed the SRI program) groups. The SRI program was a home-based program consisting of 30 min of resistance exercise three times/week for 12 weeks, health education on sarcopenia. After 12 weeks, all physiological outcomes were measured and were significantly improved in the intervention group compared with baseline; hand grip, skeletal muscle mass index, and walking speed were significantly improved in the intervention group compared with the control group. Based on our results, the SRI program may prevent muscle weakness in community-dwelling older people in Thailand.

scholarly journals OP0159 EFFICACY OF COMPREHENSIVE TECHNOLOGY-ASSISTED HOME-BASED EXERCISE IN ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS: A RANDOMIZED, CONTROLLED TRIAL

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 100.3-100
Author(s):  
Y. Wang ◽  
X. Liu ◽  
Y. Shi ◽  
X. Ji ◽  
W. Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Exercise Intervention ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Exercise Program ◽  
Group Differences ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Home Based ◽  
The Mean

Background:Clinical practice guidelines recommend that exercise is an essential component in the self-management of Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS). Attending supervised interventions requiring periodic medical center visits can be burdensome and patients may decline participation, whereas, effective home-based exercise interventions that do not need regular medical center visits are likely to be more accessible and acceptable for patients with AS. Recently, increasing evidences have been accumulated that the wearable devices could facilitate patients with inflammatory arthritis by giving exercise instructions and improving self-efficacy. Therefore, patients with AS may benefit from an effective technology-assisted home-based exercise intervention.Objectives:To investigate the efficacy of a comprehensive technology-assisted home-based exercise intervention on disease activity in patients with AS.Methods:This study was a 16-week assessor-blinded, randomized, waiting-list controlled trial (ChiCTR1900024244). Patients with AS were randomly allocated to the home-based exercise intervention group and the waiting-list control group. A 16-week comprehensive exercise program consisting of a moderate intensity (64%-76% HRmax) aerobic training for 30min on 5 days/week and a functional training for 60min on 3 days/week was given to patients in the intervention group immediately after randomization, with 1.5h training sessions for two consecutive days by a study physical therapist at baseline and Week 8. The aerobic exercise intensity was controlled by a Mio FUSE Wristband with a smartphone application. The functional training consisted of the posture training, range of motion exercises, strength training, stability training and stretching exercises. Patients in control group received standard care during the 16-week follow-up and started to receive the exercise program at Week 16. The primary outcome was ASDAS at Week 16. The secondary outcomes were BASDAI, BASFI, BASMI, ASAS HI, peak oxygen uptake, body composition and muscle endurance tests. The mean difference between groups in change from baseline was analyzed with the analysis of covariance.Results:A total of 54 patients with AS were enrolled (26 in intervention group and 28 in control group) and 46 (85.2%) patients completed the 16-week follow-up. The mean difference of ASDAS between groups in change from baseline to 16-week follow-up was −0.2 (95% CI, −0.4 to 0.003, P = 0.032), and the mean change from baseline was -0.4 (95% CI, -0.5 to -0.2) in the intervention group vs -0.1 (95% CI, -0.3 to 0.01) in the control group, respectively. Significant between-group differences were found between groups for BASDAI (−0.5 [95% CI, −0.9 to −0.2], P = 0.004), BASMI (−0.7 [95% CI, −1.1 to −0.4], P <0.001), BASFI (−0.3 [95% CI, −0.6 to 0.01], P=0.035), peak oxygen uptake (2.7 [95% CI, 0.02 to 5.3] ml/kg/min, P=0.048) and extensor endurance test (17.8 [95% CI, 0.5 to 35.2]s, P=0.044) at Week 16. Between-group differences were detected in ASAS HI (−0.9 [95% CI, −1.7 to −0.1], P=0.030), body fat percentage (−1.0 [95% CI, −2.0 to −0.01] %, P=0.048) and visceral adipose tissue (−4.9 [95% CI, −8.5 to −1.4] cm2, P=0.008) at Week 8, but not at Week 16. No significant between-group differences were detected in the total lean mass, time up and go test and the flexor endurance test during the follow-up.Conclusion:Comprehensive technology-assisted home-based exercise has been shown to have beneficial effects on disease activity, physical function, spinal mobility, aerobic capacity, and body composition as well as in improving fatigue and morning stiffness of patients with AS.References:[1]van der Heijde D, Ramiro S, Landewé R, et al. Ann Rheum Dis 2017;76:978–991.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

scholarly journals A Long-Term Follow-Up Programme for Maintenance of Motor Function after Stroke: Protocol of the life after Stroke—The LAST Study

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Torunn Askim ◽  
Birgitta Langhammer ◽  
Hege Ihle-Hansen ◽  
Jon Magnussen ◽  
Torgeir Engstad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Motor Function ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Stroke Severity ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Long Term Follow Up ◽  
Randomised Controlled

Background. There are no evidence-based strategies that have been shown to be superior in maintaining motor function for months to years after the stroke. The LAST study therefore intends to assess the effect of a long-term follow-up program for stroke patients compared to standard care on function, disability and health.Design. This is a prospective, multi-site randomised controlled trial, with blinded assessment 18 months after inclusion. A total of 390 patients will be recruited and randomised to a control group, receiving usual care, or to an intervention group 10 to 16 weeks after onset of stroke. Patients will be stratified according to stroke severity, age above 80, and recruitment site. The intervention group will receive monthly coaching on physical activity by a physiotherapist for 18 consecutive months after inclusion.Outcomes. The primary outcome is motor function (Motor Assessment Scale) 18 months after inclusion. Secondary outcomes are: dependency, balance, endurance, health-related quality of life, fatigue, anxiety and depression, cognitive function, burden on caregivers, and health costs. Adverse events and compliance to the intervention will be registered consecutively during follow-up.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of Yijinjing on Cognitive Functions in Post-stroke Patients With Mild Cognitive Impairment: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xin Xue ◽  
Xue-Xing Jin ◽  
Kai-Liang Luo ◽  
Xin-Hao Liu ◽  
Li Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Cognitive Functions ◽  
Exercise Intervention ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Post Stroke ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Abstract Background: Statistics show that every year, 5.4 million people in the world suffer a stroke. Post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) is one of the most common complications after stroke with a rate of 75%, which leads to decreased functions for independent living and reduced quality of life (QOL). Exercise training has been reported to be useful to improve the cognitive functions of post-stroke patients. Yijinjing, a traditional Chinese Qigong exercise characterized by an integration of mind and body in moderate exercise intensity, can improve cognitive functions of PSCI patients. This study aims to explore the feasibility and effectiveness of the Yijinjing exercise in this regard.Methods: A single-blind, randomized controlled trial will be employed with evaluations at three and six months. 72 PSCI patients will be recruited and randomly assigned to the Yijinjing exercise intervention group or the control group (1:1). Participants in the control group will receive routine rehabilitation therapies, including occupational therapy, physical therapy, acupuncture therapy, and health education 5 times a week for 3 months. The intervention group will receive a 12-week routine rehabilitation therapy combined with the Yijinjing exercise intervention for 40 minutes each session and 3 sessions a week. The primary outcome of cognition will be measured by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment scale (MoCA). Secondary outcomes include executive function, memory function, visuospatial function, sleep quality, gait and motor function, activity of daily living (ADL), and quality of life (QOL).Discussion: Current evidence has reported the effectiveness of traditional Chinese exercise in improving the post-stroke population’s motor functions. This research is a randomized controlled trial that evaluates traditional Chinese exercise’s effectiveness for PSCI patients. It is expected to expand the traditional Chinese exercise scope and provide a new treatment approach for stroke populations with cognitive impairments.Trail registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1900026532. Registered on 13 October 2019.

scholarly journals Potential effects of traditional massage on spasticity and gross motor function in children with spastic cerebral palsy: A randomized controlled trial

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Qamar Mahmood ◽  
Dr. Shaista Habibullah ◽  
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Naveed Babur
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Cerebral Palsy ◽  
Motor Function ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Spastic Cerebral Palsy ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Gross Motor ◽  
Gross Motor Function ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Objective: To evaluate the effects of traditional massage (TM) on spasticity and gross motor function in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Methods: This randomized control trial (RCT) was conducted with recruitment of 86 children (Dropped out= 11; Analyzed= 75) with spastic CP (diplegia) allocated randomly through sealed envelope method to intervention and control group with ages between 2-10 years from September 2016 to August 2018. Both groups received conventional physical therapy (CPT) once daily, five times a week for a period of three months. However, intervention group received TM additionally. Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-88) and Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) were used to evaluate spasticity and gross motor function at the beginning, after six and 12 weeks of intervention. Data were compared and analyzed through SPSS-20. Results: Mean age in control and intervention group was 6.81±2.31 and 7.05±2.47 years respectively. No statistically significant differences in MAS, GMFM and GMFCS scores were found at base line. The children in intervention group showed statistically significant reduction in MAS scores in all four limbs after six and 12 weeks of intervention (p < 0.05) in comparison with the control group. However, GMFM scores and GMFCS levels did not change significantly in intervention group as compared to control group. Conclusion: It is concluded that TM can effectively reduce the spasticity, does not have harmful effects, so can be administered safely by mothers at home and making it suitable for the management of spastic CP. However, in order to achieve better gross motor function, it should be practiced in conjunction with CPT, functional skills and task oriented approaches. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.5.478 How to cite this:Mahmood Q, Habibullah S, Babur MN. Potential effects of traditional massage on spasticity and gross motor function in children with spastic cerebral palsy: A randomized controlled trial. Pak J Med Sci. 2019;35(5):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.5.478 This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of Yijinjing on cognitive functions in post-stroke patients with mild cognitive impairment: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Trials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xin Xue ◽  
Xue-Ming Jin ◽  
Kai-Liang Luo ◽  
Xin-Hao Liu ◽  
Li Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Cognitive Functions ◽  
Exercise Intervention ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Post Stroke ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Abstract Background Statistics show that every year, 5.4 million people in the world suffer a stroke. Post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) is one of the most common complications after stroke with a rate of 75%, which leads to decreased functions for independent living and reduced quality of life (QOL). Exercise training has been reported to be useful to improve the cognitive functions of post-stroke patients. Yijinjing, a traditional Chinese Qigong exercise characterized by an integration of mind and body in moderate exercise intensity, can improve cognitive functions of PSCI patients. This study aims to explore the feasibility and effectiveness of the Yijinjing exercise in this regard. Methods A single-blind, superiority, randomized controlled trial will be employed with evaluations at 3 and 6 months. Seventy-two PSCI patients will be recruited and randomly assigned to the Yijinjing exercise intervention group or the control group (1:1). Participants in the control group will receive routine rehabilitation therapies, including occupational therapy, physical therapy, acupuncture therapy, and health education 5 times a week for 3 months. The intervention group will receive a 12-week routine rehabilitation therapy combined with the Yijinjing exercise intervention for 40 min each session and 3 sessions a week. The primary outcome of cognition will be measured by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment scale (MoCA). Secondary outcomes include executive function, memory function, visuospatial function, sleep quality, gait and motor function, activity of daily living (ADL), and quality of life (QOL). Discussion Current evidence has reported the effectiveness of traditional Chinese exercise in improving the post-stroke population’s motor functions. This research is a randomized controlled trial that evaluates traditional Chinese exercise’s effectiveness for PSCI patients. It is expected to expand the traditional Chinese exercise scope and provide a new treatment approach for stroke populations with cognitive impairments. Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR1900026532. Registered on 13 October 2019.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of a Targeted Exercise Intervention in Reversing Older People's Mild Balance Dysfunction: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2012 ◽  
Vol 92 (1) ◽  
pp. 24-37 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiao Jing Yang ◽  
Keith Hill ◽  
Kirsten Moore ◽  
Susan Williams ◽  
Leslie Dowson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older People ◽  
Exercise Intervention ◽  
Physical Therapist ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Exercise Program ◽  
Home Exercise ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Home Exercise Program ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Background Previous research has mainly targeted older people with high risk of falling. The effectiveness of exercise interventions in older people with mild levels of balance dysfunction remains unexplored. Objective This study evaluated the effectiveness of a home balance and strength exercise intervention in older people systematically screened as having mild balance dysfunction. Design This was a community-based, randomized controlled trial with assessors blinded to group allocation. Participants Study participants were older people who reported concerns about their balance but remained community ambulant (n=225). After a comprehensive balance assessment, those classified as having mild balance dysfunction (n=165) were randomized into the trial. Intervention Participants in the intervention group (n=83) received a 6-month physical therapist–prescribed balance and strength home exercise program, based on the Otago Exercise Program and the Visual Health Information Balance and Vestibular Exercise Kit. Participants in the control group (n=82) continued with their usual activities. Outcome Measures Laboratory and clinical measures of balance, mobility, and strength were assessed at baseline and at a 6-month reassessment. Results After 6 months, the intervention group (n=59) significantly improved relative to the control group (n=62) for: the Functional Reach Test (mean difference=2.95 cm, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.75 to 4.15), the Step Test (2.10 steps/15 seconds, 95% CI=1.17 to 3.02), hip abductor strength (0.02, 95% CI=0.01 to 0.03), and gait step width (2.17 cm, 95% CI=1.23 to 3.11). There were nonsignificant trends for improvement on most other measures. Fourteen participants in the intervention group (23.7%) achieved balance performance within the normative range following the exercise program, compared with 3 participants (4.8%) in the control group. Limitations Loss to follow-up (26.6%) was slightly higher than in some similar studies but was unlikely to have biased the results. Conclusions A physical therapist–prescribed home exercise program targeting balance and strength was effective in improving a number of balance and related outcomes in older people with mild balance impairment.

scholarly journals “Body & Brain”: effects of a multicomponent exercise intervention on physical and cognitive function of adults with dementia - study protocol for a quasi-experimental controlled trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joana Carvalho ◽  
Flávia Borges-Machado ◽  
Duarte Barros ◽  
Arnaldina Sampaio ◽  
Inês Marques-Aleixo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Exercise Intervention ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Dementia is a leading cause of death and disability that was declared as one of the greatest health and social care challenges of the twenty-first century. Regular physical activity and exercise have been proposed as a non-pharmacological strategy in disease prevention and management. Multicomponent Training (MT) combines aerobic, strength, balance and postural exercises and might be an effective training to improve both functional capacity and cognitive function in individuals with dementia (IwD). Nevertheless, data on the effects of MT in IwD are still limited and the extent to which IwD can retain improvements after an exercise intervention still needs to be elucidated. The aim of “Body & Brain” study is to investigate the effects of a 6-month MT intervention and 3-month detraining on the physical and cognitive function of IwD. Additionally, we aim to explore the impact of this intervention on psychosocial factors and physiologic markers related to dementia. Methods This study is a quasi-experimental controlled trial using a parallel-group design. The study sample consists of community-dwelling individuals aged ≥60 years who are clinically diagnosed with dementia or major neurocognitive disorder. Participants will be either allocated into the intervention group or the control group. The intervention group will participate in MT biweekly exercise sessions, whereas the control group will receive monthly sessions regarding physical activity and health-related topics for 6 months. The main outcomes will be physical function as measured by the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and cognitive function evaluated using the Alzheimer Disease Assessment Scale – Cognitive (ADAS-Cog) at baseline, after 6-months and 3-months after the end of intervention. Secondary outcomes will be body composition, physical fitness, daily functionality, quality of life, neuropsychiatric symptoms and caregiver’s burden. Cardiovascular, inflammatory and neurotrophic blood-based biomarkers, and arterial stiffness will also be evaluated in subsamples. Discussion If our hypothesis is correct, this project will provide evidence regarding the efficacy of MT training in improving physical and cognitive function and give insights about its impact on novel molecular biomarkers related to dementia. This project may also contribute to provide guidelines on exercise prescription for IwD. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov – identifier number NCT04095962; retrospectively registered on 19 September 2019.

scholarly journals Effects of Continuous Yoga on Body Composition in Obese Adolescents

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Marisa Poomiphak Na Nongkhai ◽  
Rodsarin Yamprasert ◽  
Chuchard Punsawad
Keyword(s):  
Body Composition ◽  
Muscle Mass ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Alternative Therapy ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
International Health ◽  
Bioelectrical Impedance ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Yoga Practice

Overweight/obesity is a pressing international health concern, and conventional treatments demonstrate poor long-term efficacy. Several studies have shown that yoga can control risk factors for cardiovascular disease, obesity, and psychosocial stress. The present study aimed to assess the effect of continuous yoga (asanas, pranayama, and Surya Namaskar yoga) on body composition in overweight participants. Forty adolescents with obesity were enrolled in this study. The study was conceived as a prospective, single-center, single-blinded randomized controlled trial. The participants were divided into 2 groups: the intervention group (n = 20), which undertook a continuous yoga practice, and the control group (n = 20). Body composition, including body weight (BW), body mass index (BMI), body fat mass (BFM), and muscle mass, was evaluated using tetrapolar bioelectrical impedance (BIA). Our results showed that the mean BMI and BFM of the yoga intervention group were significantly decreased at week 8 and week 12. The muscle mass of the yoga group continued to improve at a rate of 0.515 per week, which was statistically significant. In conclusion, a continuous yoga practice had a tendency to decrease BMI and BFM and increase muscle mass. These findings demonstrate intervention effectiveness similar to that observed in other clinical research and indicate that continuous yoga practice may be used as an alternative therapy for obesity prevention and health promotion in adolescents with obesity.

scholarly journals The Effects of Aerobic Exercise on Psychological Functioning in Family Caregivers: Secondary Analyses of a Randomized Controlled Trial

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin A Hives ◽  
E Jean Buckler ◽  
Jordan Weiss ◽  
Samantha Schilf ◽  
Kirsten L Johansen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Aerobic Exercise ◽  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Caregiver Burden ◽  
Psychological Functioning ◽  
Exercise Intervention ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Exercise Program ◽  
Exercise Group ◽  
Control Group

Abstract Background The responsibility and stress of being a family caregiver are associated with reduced physical and mental health. Purpose To examine whether a 24-week aerobic exercise program improves multiple aspects of psychological functioning in family caregivers. Methods Family caregivers of patients with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias (n = 68) were recruited and randomized into either an aerobic exercise group (n = 34) or a waitlist control group (n = 34). The exercise group was assigned a 24-week aerobic training program that incrementally increased the intensity, duration, and frequency of the exercise program until 150 min of moderate to vigorous activity were completed per week by the ninth week. Twelve measures of psychological functioning were administered at baseline and compared with responses completed following the intervention. Results Multilevel modeling revealed significant decreases in caregiver burden (β = −4.60, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [−8.82, −0.38], RLMM2 = 0.11) and depression (β = −2.59, 95% CI = [−4.79, −0.38], RLMM2 = 0.13), as well as increases in mastery (β = 1.78, 95% CI = [0.09, 3.46], RLMM2 = .04) in the exercise intervention group compared to the control group. Conclusion Family caregivers report high levels of depression and caregiver burden. Engagement in a 24-week exercise intervention can ameliorate the perceived burden of caregiving, symptoms of depression, and their sense of mastery.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document