A lifestyle physical activity intervention for caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's disease

Background: The purpose of this pilot Study was to examine the effects of lifestyle physical activity in caregivers (CGs) of persons with Alzheimer's disease. Methods: Fifteen CGs engaged in lifestyle physical activity during a 6-month, home-based health promotion program. Man changes in self-reported physical activity were compared using repeated-measures analysis of variance. Results: Fifty percent of CGs increased total self-reported minutes and 42% increased total moderate minutes of physical activity from preintervention to postintervention; however, no CG engaged in in vigorous physical activity and there were no significant improvements in self-reported physical activity the total group. Hot summer weather, heavy noncaregiving responsibilities, heavy caregiving responsibility ties, and feelings of anxiety, depressive symptoms., and fatigue were the most frequently identified physical activity barriers. Conclusion: Incorporating an individualized, home-based program of lifestyle physical activity appears feasible; however, attention needs to be given in the future to physical activity barriers identified by this select group of CGs.