Contribution of a multicomponent intervention on functional capacity and independence on activities of daily living in individuals with neurocognitive disorder

BACKGROUND: To examine the effects of a 6-month multicomponent (MT) exercise intervention in the functional capacity and ability to independently perform activities of daily living (ADL) of individuals diagnosed with neurocognitive disorder (NCD). METHODS: A quasi-experimental controlled trial with a parallel design study was conducted in multicentered community-based settings. Forty-three individuals (N Female: 30) were allocated to an exercise group (EG; N: 23; mean 75.09, SD = 5.54 years) or a control group (CG; N:20; mean 81.90, SD = 1.33 years). The EG engaged in a 6-month MT program (60-min sessions, twice a week). Exercise sessions were divided into a warm-up, specific training (e.g., coordination and balance, lower and upper body strength, and aerobics), and cool down. Lower body function, mobility, and gait speed were evaluated through Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), Timed-Up and Go test (TUG) and 6-Meter Walk test, respectively. The Barthel Index (BI) was administered to assess individuals’ ADL independence. Evaluations were performed before and after the 6-month intervention. RESULTS: Linear Mixed Models revealed a statistically significant interaction (time X group) effect factor on SPPB (B = 2.33, 95% CI: 1.39–3.28, p < 0.001), TUG (B = − 11.15, 95% CI: − 17.23 – − 5.06, p = 0.001), and 6-Meter Walk test (B = 0.17, 95% CI: 0.08–0.25, p < 0.001). No differences between groups or assessment moments were found in the ability of individuals to independently perform ADL. CONCLUSIONS: The 6-month MT exercise intervention improves the functional capacity of older adults living with NCD. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov – identifier number NCT04095962; retrospectively registered on 19 September 2019.