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Faculty of Medical Sciences

The Rate of Perceived Exertion as an Exercise Intensity Monitoring Instrument in Dementia Patients

Hevink, M.S. (2017) The Rate of Perceived Exertion as an Exercise Intensity Monitoring Instrument in Dementia Patients. thesis, Human Movement Sciences.

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Abstract

Background Physical activity can slow the cognitive decline of dementia. Combined aerobic and strength training seems effective for cognitive improvement. Little is known about the influence of exercise intensity on cognition. The Rate of Perceived Exertion can be applied to monitor intensity of both aerobic and strength training. Aim To determine whether the RPE is a valid measure of exercise intensity in dementia patients. Method 11 participants (age 77.0 ± 6.7, MMSE score 24.5 ± 7.8) received alternated walking and strength training for 24 weeks, three times a week and individually guided. In week 1-12 low intensity training was offered and in week 13-24 high intensity training. During all sessions, RPE and respiration rate were measured every five minutes (for high intensity walking, variables were measured at minute 1, 5, 8, 12 15, 19 and 22). Additional measurements were heart rates, distance (walking) and number of repetitions (strength training). Results RPE scores were higher for high vs. low intensity strength training (z = -2.023, p = .043). RPE was positively correlated with respiration rate during strength training (ρ=.759, p=.001). During low intensity strength training, heart rate and respiration rate negatively correlated (ρ=-.900 , p=.037). No other significant results were found. Conclusion For dementia patients, RPE seems to be a valid measure for the exercise intensity during strength training but not during walking. Future studies with larger sample sizes are needed to validate the RPE for combined aerobic and strength training interventions for the dementia population, in particular with regard to walking.

Item Type: Thesis (UNSPECIFIED)
Supervisor name: Heuvelen, M.J.G. van and Sanders, L.J.M.
Faculty: Medical Sciences
Date Deposited: 06 May 2022 11:30
Last Modified: 06 May 2022 11:30
URI: https://umcg.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/3236

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