Physical therapy in patients with Alzheimer’s disease: a systematic review of randomized controlled clinical trials

Carlos Leonardo Sacomani Marques; Maria Helena Borgato; Eduardo de Moura Neto; Rodrigo Bazan; Gustavo José Luvizutto

doi:10.1590/1809-2950/18037226032019

Authors

Carlos Leonardo Sacomani Marques Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp) – São Paulo (SP), Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7650-6452
Maria Helena Borgato Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp) – São Paulo (SP), Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8702-8123
Eduardo de Moura Neto Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM) – Uberaba (MG), Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0055-0822
Rodrigo Bazan Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp) – São Paulo (SP), Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3872-308X
Gustavo José Luvizutto Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM) – Uberaba (MG), Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6914-7225

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/1809-2950/18037226032019

Keywords:

Alzheimer’s Disease, Cognition, Activities of Daily Life, Physical Therapy, Systematic Review

Abstract

The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of physical therapy on the cognitive and functional capacity of patients with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). This is a systematic review of randomized or quasi-randomized clinical trials, using the descriptors: AD, dementia and physical therapy. Two studies were included with a total of 207 participants. In study 1, no statistically significant difference was found on the mini-mental state examination (MMSE) (MD 0.0, 95%CI −5.76 to 5.76), neuropsychiatric inventory (MD −4.50, 95%CI −21.24 to 12.24) and Pfeffer instrumental activities questionnaire (MD 0.0 95%CI −6.48 to 6.48). In study 2, there was no statistically significant difference on the MMSE (MD −1.60, 95% CI −3.57 to 0.37), clock-drawing test (MD −0.20, 95%CI −0.61 to 0.21) and Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale – cognitive subscale (MD 1.0, 95%CI −2.21 to 4.21) after 12 months. There was no consistent evidence on the effectiveness of physiotherapeutic intervention in improving cognitive function and functional capacity of patients with AD. More studies should be conducted for better evidence.

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Physical therapy in patients with Alzheimer’s disease: a systematic review of randomized controlled clinical trials

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