Comparison of Strengthening and Balance Exercises in Early-Stage Dementia

In the strengthening exercises, the amount of weight was determined based on 40 to 60 percent of the one-repetition maximum. Each exercise was performed in two sets of six to eight repetitions. The exercise sessions lasted approximately 40 minutes and included a 10-minute warm-up, 20 minutes of strengthening exercises, and a 10-minute cool-down period. To perform the strengthening exercises, resistance bands (Theraband), dumbbells, weighted balls, sandbags, and a resistance bicycle were used. The exercises were performed for both the upper and lower extremities. For the upper extremities, shoulder abduction, elbow extension, and shoulder extension exercises were performed using a theraband; elbow flexion, shoulder flexion, and elbow extension exercises were performed using dumbbells; and shoulder abduction exercises were performed using a weighted ball. For the lower extremities, knee extension, hip extension, and hip abduction exercises were performed using a resistance bicycle.

Each session was carried out over approximately 40 minutes, consisting of a 10-minute warm-up, 20 minutes of balance exercises, and a 10-minute cool-down period. The exercises were individually planned based on the participant's performance. To perform the balance exercises, supportive equipment such as balance discs and Pilates balls, as well as environments such as soft surfaces and stairs, were used. The balance exercises applied during the intervention included standing on a balance disc with weight shifting, walking on a soft surface, tandem walking, walking while stepping over obstacles, and cross-step walking. Additionally, seated balance activities, standing trunk rotations using a Pilates ball, sit-to-stand exercises from a chair, and stair climbing exercises were also performed as part of the program.