Title | Home-Based Exercise Program Improves Balance and Fear of Falling in Community-Dwelling Older Adults with Mild Alzheimer's Disease: A Pilot Study. |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2017 |
Authors | Padala, KP, Padala, PR, Lensing, SY, Dennis, RA, Bopp, MM, Roberson, PK, Sullivan, DH |
Journal | J Alzheimers Dis |
Volume | 59 |
Issue | 2 |
Pagination | 565-574 |
Date Published | 2017 |
ISSN | 1875-8908 |
Abstract | BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Balance problems are common in older adults with Alzheimer's disease (AD). The objective was to study the effects of a Wii-Fit interactive video-game-led physical exercise program to a walking program on measures of balance in older adults with mild AD. METHODS: A prospective randomized controlled parallel-group trial (Wii-Fit versus walking) was conducted in thirty community-dwelling older adults (73±6.2 years) with mild AD. Home-based exercises were performed under caregiver supervision for 8 weeks. Primary (Berg Balance Scale, BBS) and secondary outcomes (fear of falls and quality of life) were measured at baseline, 8 weeks (end of intervention), and 16 weeks (8-weeks post-intervention). RESULTS: At 8 weeks, there was a significantly greater improvement (average inter-group difference [95% CI]) in the Wii-Fit group compared to the walking group in BBS (4.8 [3.3-6.2], p CONCLUSION: Home-based, caregiver-supervised Wii-Fit exercises improve balance and may reduce fear of falling in community-dwelling older adults with mild AD. |
DOI | 10.3233/JAD-170120 |
Alternate Journal | J. Alzheimers Dis. |
PubMed ID | 28655135 |
Grant List | I01 RX001203 / RX / RRD VA / United States |