Aim: The aim of this study was to verify the effects of a multisensory exercise programme on the cognition and functionality of institutionalized older adults.
Methods: Forty-five volunteers were randomly allocated to 2 groups, the multisensory exercise programme (n = 24) and the control group that received no treatment (n = 21). The programme consisted of 3 50-min sessions of progressive exercises per week for 16 weeks that challenged their strength, balance, coordination, multisensory stimulation, and flexibility in different tasks. Cognition (Montreal Cognitive Assessment), balance (Berg Scale), mobility (Timed Up and Go), and functional performance (Physical Performance Test) were measured preintervention and postintervention. Statistical analyses were performed using Student's t test and 2-way ANOVA.
Results: The multisensory exercise programme showed statistically significant improvements (p < .05) on cognition (effect size [ES]: 0.92), balance (ES: 0.77), mobility (ES: 0.51), and functional performance (ES: 0.86) as compared with the control group, which showed no statistical significant differences at the postintervention time point.
Conclusions: The multisensory exercise programme improved the cognition and functionality of institutionalized older adults. The introduction of a motor and multisensory-based approach in care routines may improve residents' health and engagement to the environment.
Keywords: aging; cognition; exercise; residential care homes.
Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.