Effects of physical training on the physical capacity of frail, demented patients with a history of falling: a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND to develop a physical training programme to improve balance in dependent, demented, people with a history of falling, and so decrease falls and increase autonomy. METHODS the study was undertaken on 20 demented elderly people with a history of falling with an average age of 81.4+/-4.7 years and an average mini mental state score of 16.3+/-6.5. They had all passed 'get up and go', 'chair sit and reach', walking speed and static balance tests. They were assigned to a control group or a training group; the latter were trained with two sessions a week for 16 weeks. RESULTS walking, mobility, flexibility and static balance were significantly improved in the training group (P<0.05), but not in the controls. The trained subjects did not suffer a relapse, while the controls did during the training period. CONCLUSION the balance of frail, demented, elderly patients with a history of falling can be improved by training.