Validity and reliability of inertial measurement units when measuring lumbar range of motion, movement control, repetetive movement and reposition error

Abstract

Results: Of 12 eligible persons with mild to moderate dementia screened, 8 of them participated in this pilot while 4 declined due to geographic reasons or no caregivers for accompanying. The overall attendance (100%) and retention (75%) rates were satisfactory. Two participants withdrew due to uncontrolled psychotic symptoms. No adverse event was observed. In general, participants and caregivers were positive towards the intervention and compile to the training protocol. On completion of intervention, the handgrip strength improved from 15.3± 3.1 kgf to 18.5± 3.6 kgf (p= 0.005), the 6-minute walk test improved from 177.4± 60.3 m to 210.0± 61.1 m (p= 0.003), and the Berg Balance Scale score improved from 35.4± 8.1 to 40.3± 7.0 (p= 0.013). Mini-mental State Examination score remained similar before (18.5± 2.1) and after (19.3± 1.3) the intervention (p= 0.432). The Disability Assessment for Dementia scale improved from 56.7± 13.3% to 65.0± 14.9% (p= 0.039). No significant difference was observed in Geriatric Depression Scale ShortForm (3.0± 3.1 to 1.3± 1.1; p= 0.128) and Zarit Burden Index score (36.0± 8.6 to 28.0± 12.9; p= 0.106). Conclusion(s): Our pilot demonstrated the feasibility of conducting a multimodal physical exercise training program to people with mild to moderate dementia. It appears to improve the physical parameters, maintain the cognitive functions, and improve global function and activities of daily living. The program is well accepted by participants and caregivers. Implications: Physical training may improve motor performances and potentially delay the decline in cognitive functions in people with dementia. This intervention should be tested out in a randomized controlled trial with a larger sample size and long-term follow-up. Moreover, educational class on disease management, strategies to delay symptoms of dementia, fall prevention and caring skills should be incorporated into the intervention for further reducing the burden of caregivers.