Quais parâmetros de exercícios de fortalecimento muscular são necessários para a prevenção da perda motora em indivíduos com demência? Uma revisão sistemática

Abstract

Introduction: Dementia is a progressive degenerative syndrome that compromises the cognitive and functional capacity essential for carrying out activities of daily living (ADLs) autonomously. It represents a mainly geriatric syndrome that can be caused by one of several underlying conditions that include neurodegenerative cerebrovascular diseases, with Alzheimer's disease (AD) accounting for more than half of cases. Currently, there are no curative medications for dementia, with non-pharmacological therapies as alternatives, such as cognitive training, cognitive rehabilitation and interventions through physical exercise. Objective: the objective of the present study was to systematically review the literature in order to identify which parameters of muscle strengthening exercises are necessary to prevent motor loss in individuals with dementia, thus reiterating its indication as an effective non-pharmacological therapy for delay motor loss. Methodology: This is a systematic review of randomized clinical trials, registered in the International prospective register of systematic reviews, however PROSPERO is focusing only on COVID-19 records and the present study did not meet the acceptance criteria. The Lilacs, PUBMED, Pedro and SciELO databases were searched using a combination of keywords involving Dementia, Exercise, Muscle Strength, Motor Loss. Carried out from June 2023 to June 2024. Results: Seven studies were selected to compose the sample for this review and a manual search was carried out, which included 1 more article. The general sample size of included articles ranged from 23 to 163 individuals aged over 50 years, of both sexes, diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer's disease. The methodological quality (PEDro) varied from 4 to 9 points. Conclusion: In conclusion, based on the review carried out, intervention with muscle strengthening exercises can be considered by rehabilitation professionals to be an effective treatment measure to combat motor changes resulting from the progression of the disease. However, future studies should be encouraged and carried out to investigate appropriate exercise parameters, such as frequency, intensity and duration in elderly people with different degrees of dementia.