Alzheimer disease and associated disorders
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Alzheimer Dis Assoc Disord · Oct 2000
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialEffect of a combined walking and conversation intervention on functional mobility of nursing home residents with Alzheimer disease.
Assisted walking and walking combined with conversation were compared to a conversation-only intervention in nursing home residents with Alzheimer disease. Sixty-five subjects randomly assigned to treatment group were tested at baseline and end of treatment. Subjects' mean Mini-Mental State Examination score was 10.83; mean age was 87. ⋯ The conversation component of the combined walking and conversation treatment intervention appears to have improved compliance with the intervention, thereby improving treatment outcome. Results indicate that assisted walking with conversation can contribute to maintenance of functional mobility in institutionalized populations with Alzheimer disease. Staff assigned to this task should be prepared to use effective communication strategies to gain acceptance of the intervention.