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

Summary

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.

Interventions

• Progressive Muscle Relaxation · BEHAVIORAL

  Progressive muscle relaxation will be delivered in weekly supervised sessions over a 10-week period. Each session will last approximately 45 minutes and will include diaphragmatic breathing, systematic muscle contraction and relaxation following Jacobson's technique, controlled breathing exercises, and a brief cooldown period. The intervention will be administered by a trained physiotherapist in a group setting.

• Functional Strength Training · BEHAVIORAL

  Functional strength training will be delivered in weekly supervised sessions over a 10-week period. Sessions will last approximately 45 minutes and will focus on improving upper limb, lower limb, and core muscle strength using progressive resistance exercises. Training intensity will be gradually increased according to participant tolerance and performance. All sessions will be supervised by a trained physiotherapist.

Published eligibility criteria

Verbatim from the registry. Only the site can decide how these apply to a specific patient.

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

Sites (1)

• Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain