The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of an exercise program on nursing home patients with dementia.
The intervention group will be exercising one hour twice a week for 12 weeks. The participants will be doing intensive strength exercises and challenging balance exercises in groups of 4-6. Two physical therapists will be leading the intervention group. The control group will be meeting at the same frequency. Groups of 4-6 will be lead by an occupational therapist. The participants will be doing relaxation exercises, listen to music and social activities such as board games or indoor bowling. The investigators will carry out three test periods: * Baseline testing before intervention start * Post test after 12 weeks of intervention * Follow-up 12 weeks after post test. The testing will comprise: * Physical tests carried out by physiotherapists * Questionnaires concerning mental health and ADL (activities of daily living) * Cognition tests * Cortisol in saliva
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
170
Arm 1: Intervention group. Intensive strength exercise (12RM) for lower limb and balance exercises twice a week for 1 hour. Groups of max 3 participants lead by physiotherapist
Arm 2: control. Social activity group with light exercise, reading, and games. Lead by occupational therapist or nursing staff
Oslo and Akershus University College of Applied Sciences
Oslo, Norway
Berg Balance Scale
Time frame: 12 weeks
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