The Effect of Multimodal Training on Mobility in Mci Patients: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Due a growing number of new cases of dementia and the lack of pharmacological treatment for prodromal stages of dementia, the study of non-pharmacological interventions becomes more necessary. Although Mild Cognitive Impairments (MCI) patients begins to show mobility decreases, especially in dual-task (DT), some studies exams if the physical exercises can improve this deficit. PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of multimodal training (MT) on mobility in single task (ST) and DT in elderly with MCI. METHODS: Fifteen MCI patients, aged ≥60 years-old, participated in this pilot randomized controlled trial. At baseline, patients were submitted to three visits: (1) anthropometric measurements, anamnesis and neuropsychological tests; (2) cardiovascular test on treadmill; (3) mobility tests: 8-foot up and go (8UG) in ST and DT (motor and cognitive tasks). Ten participants were randomized and allocated to an experimental group (EG = 5), with multimodal physical training, including aerobic exercises, strength, balance and stretching; or in a control group (CG = 5). After three months of intervention, both groups were reevaluated. An independent t-test and effect size (ES) analysis were performed through the deltas (post-pre) of the groups. RESULTS: The EG presented improvements in general mobility (SMD=0.71 [moderate], 95%CI=0.06, 1.37) and in all mobility tests compared to the CG (TS 8UG: SMD=0.62 [moderate], 95%CI=-0.65, 1.90; coefficient of variability (CoV) 8UG: SMD=0.14 [trivial], 95%CI=-1.10, 1.38; DT 8UG: SMD=1.12 [large], 95%CI=- 0.23, 2.48; cost of DT (CDT) 8UG: SMD=1.09 [large], 95%CI=- 0.26, 2.44). CONCLUSION: MT has a positive effect on mobility in elderly patients with MCI, mainly in DT, contributing to the preservation of functional mobility in this group. Supported by CNPq (301483/2016-7) and FAPERJ (E-26/ 203.193/2016).