Whole Body Vibration Exercise for Elderly With Cognitive Impairments

The Effects of Whole Body Vibration Exercise Training on Physical Functioning and Falls in Community-dwelling Elderly With Cognitive Impairments

The whole body vibration exercise group will have significantly more improvement in mobility, muscle strength, balance, balance confidence, and cognitive function with a lower fall rate than the control group.

Inclusion Criteria:

• a diagnosis of mild or moderate dementia, with a Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) of 1 to 2, and a Cantonese Mini-mental State Examination (CMMSE) score at 10 or above but below the local cutoff for dementia (18-22, depending on education level)
• able to stand for at least 1 minute with or without hand support
• living in the community
• having an informed consent (from the primary caregiver)

Exclusion Criteria:

• significant musculoskeletal conditions (e.g. amputations)
• metal implants in the lower extremity
• recent fracture in the lower extremity
• vestibular disorders
• peripheral vascular disease
• other serious illnesses or contraindications to exercise.