Arquivos de Neuro-Psiquiatria (Mar 2014)

Treadmill training as an augmentation treatment for Alzheimer?s disease: a pilot randomized controlled study

  • Cynthia Arcoverde,
  • Andrea Deslandes,
  • Helena Moraes,
  • Cloyra Almeida,
  • Narahyana Bom de Araujo,
  • Paulo Eduardo Vasques,
  • Heitor Silveira,
  • Jerson Laks

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1590/0004-282X20130231
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 72, no. 3
pp. 190 – 196

Abstract

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Objective To assess the effect of aerobic exercise on the cognition and functional capacity in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients. Method Elderly (n=20) with mild dementia (NINCDS-ADRDA/CDR1) were randomly assigned to an exercise group (EG) on a treadmill (30 minutes, twice a week and moderate intensity of 60% VO2max) and control group (GC) 10 patients. The primary outcome measure was the cognitive function using Cambridge Cognitive Examination (CAMCOG). Specifics instruments were also applied to evaluate executive function, memory, attention and concentration, cognitive flexibility, inhibitory control and functional capacity. Results After 16 weeks, the EG showed improvement in cognition CAMCOG whereas the CG declined. Compared to the CG, the EG presented significant improvement on the functional capacity. The analysis of the effect size has shown a favorable response to the physical exercise in all dependent variables. Conclusion Walking on treadmill may be recommended as an augmentation treatment for patients with AD.

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