The feasibility and efficacy of the home-based exercise programs in patients with cognitive impairment: A pilot study.

Objective: To examine the feasibility and efficacy of home-based aerobic and resistance exercise interventions for geriatric individuals with cognitive impairment.
Methods: Fourteen participants with cognitive impairment were allocated to either the aerobic group (n = 8) or the resistance group (n = 6), after which they implemented a two-month home-based training program. Feasibility and efficacy outcomes were evaluated. A semi-structured interview was performed after the intervention.
Results: All fourteen participants completed the two-month training program. The adherence rate was 0.94 for the aerobic group and 0.96 for the resistance group. No adverse events occurred. The results revealed a trend of group×time interaction effect on delayed recall. Significant group×time interaction effects were revealed on simple physical performance and body composition. Semi-structured interviews identified four motivators for participating in this program, four facilitators for and three barriers to keeping exercising, and some perceived benefits.
Conclusion: Home-based aerobic and resistance exercise programs are feasible for geriatric individuals with cognitive impairment. The efficacy needs to be further examined.
Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors have no conflict of interest to report.
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