Abstract
Objectives: We examined the feasibility of a combined aerobic and strength training program in institutionalized dementia
patients and studied the effects on cognitive and physical function.
Methods: Thirty-three patients with dementia, recruited from one nursing home, participated in this non-randomized pilot
study (25 women; age = 85.264.9 years; Mini Mental State Examination = 16.864.0). In phase 1 of the study, seventeen
patients in the Exercise group (EG) received a combined aerobic and strength training program for six weeks, five times per
week, 30 minutes per session, in an individually supervised format and successfully concluded the pre and posttests. In
phase 2 of the study, sixteen patients in the Social group (SG) received social visits at the same frequency, duration, and
format and successfully concluded the pre and posttests.
Results: Indices of feasibility showed that the recruitment and adherence rate, respectively were 46.2% and 86.3%. All EG
patients completed the exercise program according to protocol without adverse events. After the six-week program, no
significant differences on cognitive function tests were found between the EG and SG. There was a moderate effect size in
favor for the EG for the Visual Memory Span Forward; a visual attention test. There were significant differences between
groups in favor for the EG with moderate to large effects for the physical tests Walking Speed (p = .003), Six-Minute Walk
Test (p = .031), and isometric quadriceps strength (p = .012).
Conclusions: The present pilot study showed that it is feasible to conduct a combined aerobic and strength training
program in institutionalized patients with dementia. The selective cognitive visual attention improvements and more robust
changes in motor function in favor of EG vs. SG could serve as a basis for large randomized clinical trials.