Impact of Physical Activity on Alzheimer’s Disease: A Randomised Controlled Study
Pages 110-116
Toulotte Claire, Caby Isabelle, Olivier Hélène and Olivier Nicolas

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/2292-2598.2016.04.02.4

Published: 28 July 2016

Abstract: Purpose: To study the effects of physical training on behavior and balance issues in elderly people afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease.

Method: Forty patients (average age: 80 years old) participated in the study. The individuals were placed into two groups: a control group, which did not participate in any kind of training, and a trained group, which followed an eight-week training program. The training program comprised 2–3 sessions of light physical activity or walking per week; each session had an average duration of 15–55 min. Before (T1) and after (T2) the training program, an assessment of the psychical, psychological, physical, and functional parameters was conducted.

Results: Upon completion of the physical training program, there was a significant (p < 0.05) improvement in the Tinetti test (T1: 19.5 ± 4.2 s; T2: 20.1 ± 4.1 s), a significant decrease in the completion time of the “get up and go” track for all of the participants (T1: 23.1 ± 8.1 s; T2: 19.5 ± 6.1 s), and a significant reduction in the seriousness of the behavioral issues observed.

Conclusion: This preliminary study revealed that physical training had an overall beneficial impact on Alzheimer’s patients, especially on their behavior and balance.

Keywords: Elderly people, physical activity, behavior, balance.