Could a movement program help people with dementia connect with others as well as improve everyday movement?

Details

Preventing Loss of Independence through Exercise (PLIÉ) is a novel, integrative exercise program for people with dementia. It combines elements of conventional and complementary exercise approaches, including tai-chi, yoga, Feldenkrais, and dance movement therapy. It focuses on training procedural memory for basic functional movements, such as moving from sitting to standing, while increasing mindful body awareness and facilitating social connection.

This study analyzed qualitative data collected during a 36-week cross-over pilot clinical trial in 11 individuals.

The qualitative material included exercise instructors’ written notes prepared after each class and following biweekly telephone calls with caregivers and monthly home visits; three video-recorded classes; and research assistants’ written summaries prepared following pre- and post-intervention quantitative assessments.

Data were extracted for each participant and arranged on a timeline by month of observation.

The data were coded and analyzed to identify themes. The entire team, including a qualitative researcher (SA) and the exercise instructors, confirmed and refined these themes through an iterative, collaborative process.

Three overarching themes emerged. Functional changes included increasing body awareness, movement memory, and functional skill. Emotional changes included greater acceptance of resting, sharing personal stories and feelings, and a positive attitude toward exercise. Social changes included more coherent social interactions and making friends.

These qualitative results suggest that PLIÉ may be associated with beneficial functional, emotional, and social changes in people with mild to moderate dementia.

The researchers concluded that further study of PLIÉ in people with dementia is warranted.