Physical exercise as a therapeutic resource in immobilism syndrome in older people with Alzheimer's disease: an integrative review

Abstract

Aims: The increase in the number of elderly people and in life expectancy results in the emergence of diseases such as dementia. Among them, Alzheimer’s disease (AD), which causes reductions in cognitive and physical functions, immobility, and a lack of independence. That said, it is important to seek treatment to promote quality of life and delay symptoms. Physical exercise (PE) acts in the promotion, prevention, and treatment of several diseases, becoming a great physiotherapeutic resource in dementia patients. The objective of this study was to understand the effects of physical exercise on immobility syndrome in elderly patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Methods: Methodologically, the following steps were performed: search for scientific articles in databases (PUBMED, LILACS, MEDLINE, COCHRANE), analysis of articles by reading the titles, abstracts and full text. The following descriptors were used: Alzheimer’s Disease, Physical Therapy Modalities, Exercise therapy, Aged, Mobility Limitation. The inclusion criteria were: original articles, in English and Portuguese, which addressed individuals with a clinical diagnosis of probable AD, individuals with Alzheimer’s disease at any stage of both genders, and physical exercise. We used the instrument for data extraction, validated by Ursi (2005), helping to analyze the level of evidence and methodological rigor of each article, obtained by CASP (adapted). Results: As a result, 6 articles were included in this work where they presented the following effects: improvement in physical performance of single and dual task; improvement in balance, mobility, mental speed, attention and memory; cardiovascular, metabolic and cardiorespiratory fitness benefits; improvement in autonomous eating time, coordination and amount of food intake. Final considerations: Therefore, the relationship of physical exercise in AD is important in controlling health, reducing complications, and promoting independence.