| Introduction: Physiological effects of aging combined with abnormal cognitive decline often lead to decreased functional independence among older adults with dementia. Those who reside in long-term care (LTC) are even more prone to loss of functional independence as they are typically at a more advanced stage of dementia and require a higher level of care with activities of daily living relating to self-care.;Methods: Sixteen older adults with dementia residing in a Regina LTC facility were randomly assigned to either a walking program (3 days per week), or a non-walking condition which involved a weekly group social visit with student volunteers for 12 weeks. Functional indicators assessed at baseline, after six weeks, and after 12 weeks were timed up-and-go, functional reach, and six-minute walk. Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination. Descriptive data, including age, education level, prescribed medications, and co-morbid health conditions were collected through chart audits. Mixed-model ANOVA was used to assess within and between group differences.;Results: No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups in timed up-and-go, functional reach, six-minute walk, or Mini-Mental State at any time point. However, at the individual level, differences were observed in percent change scores in timed-up-and-go, six-minute walk, and Mini Mental State from baseline to the end of the 12 weeks.;Conclusion: No differences were found in the effectiveness of a physical activity intervention as compared to a social activity intervention in the maintenance of physical and cognitive function in LTC residents with dementia. However, individual percent change scores showed a beneficial effect of physical activity for some participants.;Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine if regular physical activity was effective at maintaining/improving physical and cognitive function in this population as compared to a comparable social activity intervention. |
