Effectiveness of Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization Exercises on Balance and Gait Parameters in Patients With Alzheimer Disease

Purpose:This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of dynamic neuromuscular stabilization (DNS) exercises on balance and gait parameters in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD).Materials and methods: Thirty elderly individuals with AD were allocated into DNS (N=۱۵) and control (N=۱۵) groups. Balance was assessed with time up to go (TUG) test. Gait velocity (GV), step length (SL), and step width (SW) were assessed with walking on a ۱۰ m distance and ۲-D camera capturing. Paired t-test and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) were respectively used for analysis of within and between-group differences.Results: There was significant within-group difference for balance (P= ۰.۰۰۱), GV (P= ۰.۰۰۱), SL (P= ۰.۰۰۳), and SW (P= ۰.۰۱). No significant difference was observed in the control group (P> ۰.۰۵). DNS exercises showed significant differences compared to no intervention (P< ۰.۰۵).Conclusions:It seemed that DNS exercises were more effective than no intervention to improve balance and gait parameters in patients with AD.

Keywords:

Alzheimer disease , Balance , DNS exercises , Elderly people , Gait parameters