Effects of a home-based physical training and activity promotion program in community-dwelling older persons with cognitive impairment after discharge from rehabilitation: A randomized controlled trial.
Ullrich P., Werner C., Schönstein A., Bongartz M., Eckert T., Beurskens R., Abel B., Bauer JM., Lamb SE., Hauer K.
BACKGROUND: Older people with cognitive impairment (CI) are at high risk for mobility limitations and adverse outcomes after discharge from geriatric rehabilitation settings. Study aim was to estimate the effects of a specifically designed home-based physical training and activity promotion program on physical capacity, different aspects of physical activity (PA), and psychosocial status. METHODS: Patients with mild-to-moderate CI (Mini-Mental State Examination [MMSE]: 17-26 points) discharged home after rehabilitation were included in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with a 12-week intervention and 12-week follow-up period. The intervention group performed a CI-specific, autonomous, home-based strength, balance and walking training supported by tailored motivational strategies to foster training adherence and promote PA. The control group participated in an unspecific motor placebo activity. Primary outcomes were physical capacity (Short Physical Performance Battery [SPPB]) and PA (sensor-based activity time). RESULTS: Among 118 randomized participants (82.3±6.0 years) with CI (MMSE: 23.3±2.4) and high levels of multi-morbidity, those participants undergoing home-based training demonstrated superior outcomes to the control group in SPPB (mean difference between groups 1.9 points; 95%-CI: 1.0-2.8; p