Role of Aerobic Exercise Training in Changing Exercise Tolerance and Quality of Life in Alzheimer's Disease

Shehab Mahmoud Abd El- Kader

doi:10.29333/ejgm/82688

Abstract

Aim: Alzheimer’s disease is one of the leading cause of all deaths worldwide , it contributes to a reduction in overall function and independent living and there is evidence that exercise can have an impact on the size, strength, and aerobic capacity of skeletal muscle in older people. This study was designed to detect changes in exercise tolerance and quality of life in Alzheimer's after aerobic exercise training in the form of walking and upper limbs exercises with the cycle ergometer. Method: Thirty patients with mild Alzheimer, their age ranged between 65 to 72 years and were included into 2 equal groups; group (A) received aerobic walking exercise training and upper limbs exercises with the cycle ergometer at a frequency of 3 sessions per week for two months. The second group (B) received no exercise training. Measurements of six minute walking test, hand grip strength and questionnaire of the quality of life (QOL) were obtained for both groups before and after the exercise program. Result: There was a significant increase in six minute walking test, hand grip strength and questionnaire of QOL of group (A), while the results of group (B) were not significant. There was a significant dif ference between both groups. Conclusion: aerobic exercise training program in the form of walking exercise and upper limbs exercises with the cycle ergometer for patients with Alzheimer's to improve their exercise tolerance and quality of life.

Highlights

An estimated 4.5 million Americans currently suffer from Alzheimer's disease(AD), and this number may triple by 2050 if no effective treatments are developed
Recent studies have shown that certain lifestyle choices, such as eating a healthy diet, and performing a minimal amount of physical exercise are associated with a lower risk of developing AD
The results of this study confirmed that aerobic exercise could be considered a valuable method to improve exercise tolerance and quality of life in Alzheimer's after aerobic exercise training in the form of walking and upper limbs exercises with the cycle ergometer, these results agreed with the previous studies in this area

Summary

Introduction

An estimated 4.5 million Americans currently suffer from Alzheimer's disease(AD), and this number may triple by 2050 if no effective treatments are developed. Quality of life (QOL) is a widely used concept in social science and relates to various aspects of life. It can be measured in four dimensions (physical functioning, emotional distress, social health, and perceived health) in their definition of quality of life. Engaging older adults with AD in aerobic exercise is important, because aerobic exercise training improves physical functioning and has the potential to alleviate AD symptoms and could significantly improve their health and quality of life [4]. Physical exercise is regarded as a useful tool in this regard; cross-sectional and longitudinal studies have demonstrated that exercise has beneficial effects, such as decreasing depression, increasing overall health, and improving cognitive performance, in older adults [5]

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