ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Few clinical trials have evaluated exercise programs developed specifically for patients with dementia in nursing home settings. OBJECTIVES: To determine if a training program tailored for demented patients, can be implemented in a nursing home setting in order to improve motor performances in patients with dementia who suffered functional decline. METHODS: The present intervention was conducted in wards of patients suffering from dementia in three nursing homes. Patients suffering from dementia and hospitalized in a rehabilitation hospital were the control arm. Eligible patients in the wards assigned to the intervention group (NH; n = 24) received exercise training specifically designed for patients with dementia. Patients in the rehabilitation hospital were observed as a control group (RH; n = 50) and received usual care treatment. Primary endpoints were changes in Functional Independence Measure (FIM), 5X Sit-to-Stand Test, Timed up and go test and ADL. Basic parameters were examined as predictors of positive training response. RESULTS: Both the nursing home residents and rehabilitation hospital patients improved significantly in both primary endpoints (change: in Functional Independence Measure, NH: +119.2 ± 30.8 % versus RH: +83.3 ± 41.9%, p < 0.001; ADL, NH: +143.5 ± 102.6% versus RH: +59.0 ± 90.2%, p < 0.001). Age was found to be a predictor of positive training response. CONCLUSIONS: This functional training program tailored for demented patients can be implemented in a nursing home setting to improve motor performances in patients with dementia. Such interventions should be further evaluated in larger randomized controlled trials.
