Abstract
Purpose
This study evaluates the feasibility, safety, and effects of a step training program on stepping performance, physical function, and cognitive function in community-dwelling older adults with dementia.
Method
This study is a pilot quasi-experimental, wait-list controlled trial. Fifty-six older adults who had a diagnosis of dementia and were able to walk 10 m independently without any walking aid or with a walking stick were recruited. Participants who were allocated to the step training program completed
two 40-minute exercise sessions per week for 12 weeks. Participants who were assigned to the wait-list control group received usual care for the first 12 weeks, followed by the same step training program. The feasibility (retention and adherence to the step training program), safety (percentage of the
participants having any adverse events), and clinical outcomes of the participants, including the stepping performance, general mobility, walking speed, lower limb muscle strength, dynamic balance, global cognition, and functional ability, were assessed at the baseline and 12 weeks.
Results
Forty-seven participants (84%) completed the 12-week assessment. The mean number of completed exercise sessions was 17.95 (74%). No adverse events were recorded. Significant interactions in choice stepping reaction time (p = .038), maximum step length [left leg backward stepping (p = .046) and side stepping (p = .020)], and alternate stepping (p = .002) between the step training and wait-list control groups were found.
Conclusion
The step training program was feasible, safe, and potentially effective in improving the stepping performance of older adults with dementia. Future research to evaluate the effects of the step training program using a larger sample and a more stringent study design is therefore warranted.
This study evaluates the feasibility, safety, and effects of a step training program on stepping performance, physical function, and cognitive function in community-dwelling older adults with dementia.
Method
This study is a pilot quasi-experimental, wait-list controlled trial. Fifty-six older adults who had a diagnosis of dementia and were able to walk 10 m independently without any walking aid or with a walking stick were recruited. Participants who were allocated to the step training program completed
two 40-minute exercise sessions per week for 12 weeks. Participants who were assigned to the wait-list control group received usual care for the first 12 weeks, followed by the same step training program. The feasibility (retention and adherence to the step training program), safety (percentage of the
participants having any adverse events), and clinical outcomes of the participants, including the stepping performance, general mobility, walking speed, lower limb muscle strength, dynamic balance, global cognition, and functional ability, were assessed at the baseline and 12 weeks.
Results
Forty-seven participants (84%) completed the 12-week assessment. The mean number of completed exercise sessions was 17.95 (74%). No adverse events were recorded. Significant interactions in choice stepping reaction time (p = .038), maximum step length [left leg backward stepping (p = .046) and side stepping (p = .020)], and alternate stepping (p = .002) between the step training and wait-list control groups were found.
Conclusion
The step training program was feasible, safe, and potentially effective in improving the stepping performance of older adults with dementia. Future research to evaluate the effects of the step training program using a larger sample and a more stringent study design is therefore warranted.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | 31st Annual Congress of Gerontology cum 38th Annual General Meeting |
| Publication status | Published - 30 Nov 2024 |