Comparison of Strengthening and Balance Exercises in Early-Stage Dementia

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

• Ages 65 to 95 years
• All sexes
• No healthy volunteers
• Older adult

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

About this study

Official title: The Effects Of Balance Exercises Versus Strengthening Exercises On Gait And Cognitive Parameters In Geriatric Individuals With Early-Stage Dementia

Conditions

Physical Therapy

Being tested

Strengthening Exercises, Balance Exercises

Keywords

dementia, exercise, gait, cognitive function

Medical subject headings

Dementia, Motor Activity

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

• Strengthening ExercisesBehavioural

  Also called Group I

  In the strengthening exercises, the amount of weight was determined based on 40 to 60 percent of the one-repetition maximum. Each exercise was performed in two sets of six to eight repetitions. The exercise sessions lasted approximately 40 minutes and included a 10-minute warm-up, 20 minutes of strengthening exercises, and a 10-minute cool-down period. To perform the strengthening exercises, resistance bands (Theraband), dumbbells, weighted balls, sandbags, and a resistance bicycle were used. The exercises were performed for both the upper and lower extremities.

  For the upper extremities, shoulder abduction, elbow extension, and shoulder extension exercises were performed using a theraband; elbow flexion, shoulder flexion, and elbow extension exercises were performed using dumbbells; and shoulder abduction exercises were performed using a weighted ball. For the lower extremities, knee extension, hip extension, and hip abduction exercises were performed using a resistance bicycle.

• Balance ExercisesBehavioural

  Also called Group II

  Each session was carried out over approximately 40 minutes, consisting of a 10-minute warm-up, 20 minutes of balance exercises, and a 10-minute cool-down period. The exercises were individually planned based on the participant's performance. To perform the balance exercises, supportive equipment such as balance discs and Pilates balls, as well as environments such as soft surfaces and stairs, were used.

  The balance exercises applied during the intervention included standing on a balance disc with weight shifting, walking on a soft surface, tandem walking, walking while stepping over obstacles, and cross-step walking. Additionally, seated balance activities, standing trunk rotations using a Pilates ball, sit-to-stand exercises from a chair, and stair climbing exercises were also performed as part of the program.

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

1. Change from Baseline in Balance Performance Assessed by the Berg Balance Scale After 8 Weeks of Treatment

   It is scored from 0 to 56, with higher scores indicating better balance performance.

   Measured: 8 Weeks

2. Change from Baseline in Gait Parameters Assessed by Temporal-Spatial Variables After 8 Weeks of Treatment

   Within the scope of the Temporal-Spatial Variables Method, step length, double step length, step width, and the number of steps taken per minute were evaluated. Increases in step length and double step length, a decrease in step width, and an increase in the number of steps per minute were associated with improvements in gait.

   Measured: 8 Weeks

3. Change from Baseline in Gait Performance Assessed by the Timed Up and Go Test After 8 Weeks of Treatment

   The Timed Up and Go Test is performed by measuring, in seconds, the time it takes for an individual to stand up from a chair, walk 3 meters, turn around, walk back, and sit down again. A shorter time indicates better gait performance.

   Measured: 8 Weeks

4. Change from Baseline in Cognitive Function as Measured by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) After 8 Weeks of Treatment

   Cognitive function in the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is scored between 0 and 30, with higher scores indicating better cognitive performance.

   Measured: 8 Weeks

5. Change from Baseline in Cognitive Function as Measured by the Dynamic Loewenstein Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment - Geriatric Version (DLOTCA-G) After 8 Weeks of Treatment

   The Dynamic Loewenstein Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment - Geriatric Version (DLOTCA-G) is a cognitive assessment tool scored between 17 and 119. Higher scores indicate better cognitive functioning.

   Measured: 8 Weeks

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

1. First posted26 Jun 2025
2. Study start30 Dec 2024
3. Primary completion28 Mar 2025
4. Study completion18 Apr 2025

Resources

• Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
• Other trials for Physical TherapyStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
• What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.