Comparison of Strengthening and Balance Exercises in Early-Stage Dementia

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Physical Therapy

• Registration Number: NCT07040007
• Lead Sponsor: Zeynep Beyza Kuşva

Brief Summary

The aim of this study was to examine and compare the effects of balance exercises versus strengthening exercises on gait and cognitive parameters in older adults with early-stage dementia.

A total of 35 older adults with early-stage dementia were included in the study, and it was completed with 32 participants. The participants were divided into two groups and followed for 8 weeks. Group I received strengthening exercises, while Group II received balance exercises. After recording the demographic and clinical characteristics of all participants, gait was evaluated using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), spatiotemporal gait parameters, and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test; cognitive parameters were assessed with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the Dynamic Lowenstein Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment - Geriatric Version (DLOTCA-G); muscle strength was measured using Activforce-2; and quality of life was evaluated using the WHOQOL-OLD (World Health Organization Quality of Life - Older Adults Module).

Detailed Description

Not available

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2024-12-30
• Primary Completion: 2025-03-28
• Study Completion: 2025-04-18
• Status Verified: 2025-06
• Study First Submitted: 2025-06-11
• Study First Submitted QC: 2025-06-18
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-06-18
• Study First Posted: 2025-06-26
• Last Update Posted: 2025-06-26

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 32

Inclusion Criteria

• Aged between 65 and 95 years,
• Able to walk 10 meters independently,
• Scoring between 16 and 26 on the Mini Mental State Examination,
• Literate individuals (able to read and write).

Exclusion Criteria

• Having uncontrolled heart disease,
• Body mass index (BMI) below 18.5 kg/m² or above 35 kg/m²,
• Diagnosed with cancer,
• Completely lost vision,
• Having any disease that may prevent performing exercise.

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Change from Baseline in Gait Parameters Assessed by Temporal-Spatial Variables After 8 Weeks of Treatment	8 Weeks	Within the scope of the Temporal-Spatial Variables Method, step length, double step length, step width, and the number of steps taken per minute were evaluated. Increases in step length and double step length, a decrease in step width, and an increase in the number of steps per minute were associated with improvements in gait.
Change from Baseline in Gait Performance Assessed by the Timed Up and Go Test After 8 Weeks of Treatment	8 Weeks	The Timed Up and Go Test is performed by measuring, in seconds, the time it takes for an individual to stand up from a chair, walk 3 meters, turn around, walk back, and sit down again. A shorter time indicates better gait performance.
Change from Baseline in Cognitive Function as Measured by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) After 8 Weeks of Treatment	8 Weeks	Cognitive function in the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is scored between 0 and 30, with higher scores indicating better cognitive performance.
Change from Baseline in Cognitive Function as Measured by the Dynamic Loewenstein Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment - Geriatric Version (DLOTCA-G) After 8 Weeks of Treatment	8 Weeks	The Dynamic Loewenstein Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment - Geriatric Version (DLOTCA-G) is a cognitive assessment tool scored between 17 and 119. Higher scores indicate better cognitive functioning.
Change from Baseline in Balance Performance Assessed by the Berg Balance Scale After 8 Weeks of Treatment	8 Weeks	It is scored from 0 to 56, with higher scores indicating better balance performance.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Change from Baseline in Muscle Strength as Measured by the Activforce 2 Dynamometer After 8 Weeks of Treatment	8 Weeks	Activforce-2 is a digital dynamometer used for the objective measurement of muscle strength. In this study, muscle strength of the Biceps, Triceps, Middle Deltoid, Quadriceps, Hamstrings, Gluteal muscles, and Gastrocnemius was assessed using the Activforce-2 device.
Change from Baseline in Quality of Life as Measured by the World Health Organization Quality of Life - Older Adults Module (WHOQOL-OLD) Questionnaire After 8 Weeks of Treatment	8 Weeks	The World Health Organization Quality of Life - Older Adults Module (WHOQOL-OLD) is an assessment scale scored between 24 and 120. However, since higher scores in certain items may reflect lower quality of life, it is important to evaluate the individual item scores rather than relying solely on the total score.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Faculty of Health Sciences; 🇹🇷 Istanbul, Turkey