Impact of Physical Activity on Alzheimer’s Disease: A Randomised Controlled Study

Authors

  • Toulotte Claire Université de Valenciennes, Faculté des Sciences et Métiers du Sport, Le Mont Houy, F-59313, Valenciennes Cedex 09, France; LAMIH, CNRS, UMR CNRS 8201, F-59313, Valenciennes Cedex 09, France
  • Caby Isabelle University of Artois, Faculté des sciences du sport et de l’éducation physique, Chemin du Marquage, F-62800, Liévin, France
  • Olivier Hélène University of Artois, Faculté des sciences du sport et de l’éducation physique, Chemin du Marquage, F-62800, Liévin, France
  • Olivier Nicolas University of Lille Nord de France, F-59000, Lille, France; URePSSS, EA 4488, F-59790, Ronchin, France

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.6000/2292-2598.2016.04.02.4

Keywords:

Elderly people, physical activity, behavior, balance

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.

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Published

2016-07-26

How to Cite

Claire, T., Isabelle, C., Hélène, O. ., & Nicolas, O. (2016). Impact of Physical Activity on Alzheimer’s Disease: A Randomised Controlled Study. Journal of Intellectual Disability - Diagnosis and Treatment, 4(2), 110–116. https://doi.org/10.6000/2292-2598.2016.04.02.4

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General Articles