Effects of multicomponent exercise on spatial-temporal gait parameters among the elderly with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI): Preliminary results from a randomized controlled trial (RCT)

Exercise training has been shown to increase physical function in the elderly. However, the effects of exercise on elderly individuals with amnestic aMCI are unclear. The aim of this RCT was to investigate the effect of multicomponent exercise on gait in the elderly. Fifty elderly individuals with aMCI (age: 65-92 years) participated in the study and were randomly allocated to a multicomponent exercise or control group. Multicomponent exercise training was performed for 90 min, twice a week over six months. Gait was analyzed at baseline and after the six month intervention. Gait analysis was performed on an eleven meter walkway at each subject's comfortable walking speed. A miniature tri-axial accelerometer was attached to the L3 spinous process and was used to analyze gait speed, stride length, stride time, and the harmonic ratio (HR) (representing the smoothness of trunk movement). There were no differences in the participant characteristics or gait parameters between the groups at baseline. After adjustment for covariates the multicomponent exercise program had a significant (p < 0.05) effect on gait speed, stride length, and the vertical HR. Through improving gait, multicomponent exercise training improves the physical health of the elderly with aMCI.