Benefits of Strength Training in Informal Caregivers of Patients With Alzheimer's Disease

Effectiveness of a Combined Strength Training and Progressive Muscle Relaxation Program in Reducing Frailty in Informal Caregivers of People With Alzheimer's Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Informal caregivers of people with Alzheimer's disease experience high physical and psychological burden, increasing their risk of frailty, anxiety, and caregiver burnout. This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a combined strength training and progressive muscle relaxation program compared with progressive muscle relaxation alone. The intervention will last 10 weeks, with assessments conducted at baseline, post-intervention, and at a 3-month follow-up. Primary outcomes include frailty, anxiety, and caregiver burden.

Alzheimer's disease is associated with long-term caregiving demands that expose informal caregivers to sustained physical and psychological stress. This chronic exposure may contribute to functional decline, increased vulnerability to frailty, and reduced overall well-being, highlighting the need for accessible, non-pharmacological interventions targeting caregiver health.

The present study adopts a parallel-group randomized controlled design in which participants are allocated to one of two intervention arms. One group will participate in structured progressive muscle relaxation sessions, while the other will receive a combined intervention integrating functional strength training with progressive muscle relaxation. The intervention protocol has been designed to be feasible, low-cost, and easily implementable in community and clinical settings.

Assessments will be conducted at multiple time points to examine changes in physical performance and psychological status over time. Standardized performance-based measures and validated self-report instruments will be used to capture functional and psychosocial outcomes, allowing for a comprehensive evaluation of the intervention effects across short- and medium-term follow-up periods.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adults aged 18 years or older
• Informal caregivers of a person with Alzheimer's disease
• Providing regular care for at least 10 hours per week
• Ability to attend intervention sessions
• Ability to understand and follow instructions
• Provision of written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Acute illness or medical conditions contraindicating participation in strength exercise
• Participation in structured exercise programs that may interfere with study outcomes
• Severe or uncontrolled psychiatric disorders
• Physical limitations preventing completion of functional assessments