Method
Participants and Procedure
This methodological study used a
prospective, nonexperimental, descriptive
research design. Guardian
informed consent was obtained for
all participants, with the exception
of one participant who signed her
own informed consent statement
with her family's approval. When
possible, assent forms were signed
by participants in conjunction with
guardian informed consent. Four
sites providing care to individuals
with AD (2 inpatient programs and 2
day care programs) participated in
the study. The administrative contact
at each site aided in the recniitmentof participants. Inclusion criteria
were: probable diagnosis of AD,
medical stability, and ambulation
with or without an assistive device
or with handheld guiding assistance
of one person. Exclusion criteria
were: overt neuromuscular or musculoskeletal
problems, acute cardiac
or pulmonary conditions, and surgery
within the previous 6 months.