Effect of Exercise Training in Alzheimer's Patients

University of Genova20 enrolled

Overview

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of exercise training on physical function and biochemical markers in elderly Alzheimer's disease patients.

Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive and irreversible degeneration of nerve cells. The loss of these cells leads to the continuous decline in muscle function with alterations in biochemical and haematological parameters. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of exercise training on physical function and biochemical markers in elderly Alzheimer's disease patients.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

SUPPORTIVE_CARE

Masking

QUADRUPLE

Enrollment

Conditions

Alzheimer Disease

Interventions

Physical trainingOTHER

Physical training for three months, twice per week (60 minutes per session).

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 80 YearsMax age: 90 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Subjects with official diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease; * Subjects with MMSE higher than12. Exclusion Criteria: • Subjects with MMSE below 12 (indicating severe dementia and impairment).

Locations (1)

University of Genova

Genoa, Italy

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Tinetti test

The 3-likert test assesses balance and gait abilities with an individual sitting in an armless chair, rising up, staying standing, turning 360° and then sitting back down. Gait is scored over 12 and balance is scored over 16, totalling 28 points.

Time frame: Approximately 10-15 minutes

Berg Balance Scale

The 14-item 5-likert (from 0 to 4) scale objectively determines a patient's balance ability during a series of predetermined tasks. Scores of each item are summed up: the total score ranges from 0 to 56. The lowest the score the lowest is the level of function, the highest the score the highest is the level of function.

Time frame: Approximately 20 minutes

6-minute walking test

This test is a sub-maximal exercise used to evaluate aerobic capacity and endurance.

Time frame: 6 minutes

Timed up and go test

The test measures abilities of a patient initially in a seated position The patient is then asked to stand up up, walk 3 meters, turn around, walk back to the chair and sit down.

Time frame: Approximately 14 seconds

"Walking While Talking" test

This test is a dual-task test, consisting in walking while reciting the alphabet or alternate letters of the alphabet.

Time frame: Approximately 1 minute

Red blood cell count

Assessed with routine blood/biochemical assays

Time frame: Approximately 10-15 minutes

White blood cell count

Assessed with routine blood/biochemical assays

Time frame: Approximately 10-15 minutes

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

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