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

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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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Marques,Carlos Leonardo Sacomani, Borgato,Maria Helena, Moura Neto,Eduardo de, Bazan,Rodrigo, Luvizutto,Gustavo José
Format: Digital revista
Language:English
Published: Universidade de São Paulo 2019
Online Access:http://old.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1809-29502019000300311
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