Dr. med. Tania Zieschang
Duration: 1 June 2006 – 31 May 2008
Center: “Bethanien Krankenhaus, Geriatrisches Zentrum” (Bethanien Hospital, Geriatric Center), Heidelberg
Research project
Physical training in older people with cognitive limitations. Follow-up study after 12 months.
Background:
Individuals with cognitive limitations represent a high-risk group for decline in motor performance, loss of independence, and heavy falls. In this group, strength and balance deficits demonstrably contribute to higher fall risk and increased incidence of serious injury compared to people in the same age group who are not affected by dementia.
Previous studies have shown that progressive physical and functional training is a safe and effective method for sustainably improving strength and functional performance in geriatric patients following falls.
Research questions:
The aim of the study is to show that training of this kind can also be carried out successfully with patients with cognitive limitations. In fact, there are indications that these patients’ functional performance can improve as a result of training, but because of methodological shortcomings such as inadequate sample size, unsatisfactory measurement of performance, and non-standardized training adapted to the specific needs of this group, the data made available to date are not scientifically satisfactory.
Procedure:
On the basis of previously successful training studies with geriatric patients, a standardized exercise program was developed at the Bethanien Krankenhaus under the direction of senior lecturer Dr. Hauer. The program was designed to take account of both the specific deficits and the residual abilities of the target group. A placebo-controlled, randomized study is currently being carried out to scientifically test the effectiveness of this training program for patients with dementia.
The patients in the intervention group receive progressive strength and functional training twice a week for a period of 12 weeks. The placebo group participates in a discussion group involving unspecified “chair gymnastics,” likewise twice a week for a period of 12 weeks.
Within the framework of this study, Dr. Zieschang will carry out the follow-up observation 12 months after the commencement of training. This part of the study will use standardized and established methods to measure motor, functional, cognitive, and emotional parameters in concomitance with the study’s other measurement times (prior to training, immediately following the conclusion of training, and three months following the conclusion of training). Furthermore, a prospective collection of data on fall frequency will be carried out using several different methods for the entire duration of the observation period of 12 months.