Table 4 Data extraction table for included studies
Author(s) and year | Study design | Aim of the study | Type of intervention | Sample details | Main barriers | Key facilitators | Adherence data |
van Uffelen et al. 2009 [44] | RCT with a factorial design | To examine feasibility of regular moderate-intensity walking program, to assess association of exercise attendance and cognition | 1 year, twice a week, 60 min, moderate intensity walking program vs. low intensity activity program | 122 | Lack of interest Weather Walking difficulties Health-related problems | Keeping up to date with participants’perceptions about the program and how they are coping with exercise intensity Attending at least one session – trying exercise | Median attendance 71% |
van Uffelen 2008 [46] | Double blind randomized placebo-controlled trial | To examine effect of aerobic exercise or vitamin B supplementation on cognitive function | 1 year, twice weekly, group based, moderate-intensity walking program vs. low intensity placebo activity program and vitamin B supplementation or placebo | 152 | Illness Too busy Location too far Uncomfortable intensity Health-related problems | Living with a partner | Median session attendance 63% |
Bantry White and Montgomery 2016 [35] | Mixed-methods study | Wandering, getting lost and hence being restricted from walking can be a barrier to walking outdoors alone | Self-administered questionnaire | 14 professionals | Factors associated with getting lost and of harm while missing | Ensuring safe physical environment and appropriate landscape and surfaces to walk on, schedule adverse risks objectively – safe walking assessment, tailoring walks and assessments to individual circumstances | Not reported |
Author(s) and year | Study design | Aim of the study | Type of intervention | Sample details | Main barriers | Key facilitators | Adherence data |
King et al. 2018 [37] | Randomized trial | To evaluate feasibility of implementing The Enhance Mobility Program | 8 months, group exercise and walking (at least 20 min, at least 3 times a week) | 28 | Space reallocation Adequate staffing and time needed to recruit clients to participate Lower MMSE | Social aspect of group walking Refreshment offer at the end of walking session | Participation on walking program ranged 0–76 days out of 96 days with the walking program (M = 20.2, SD 19.6) |
McCurry et al. 2010 [42] | Clinical trial | To examine factors associated with adherence to walking program | Walking 30 continuous mina day | 66 dyads | Depression Higher behavioral disruption scores (RMBPC) | Spousal caregiver Lower perceived stress | 47% participants were still walking 5 or more days a week at 6-months follow up |
Lowery et al. 2014 [41] | Single blind parallel group trial | To evaluate effectiveness of a simple dyadic exercise regimen | Individually tailored progressive walking regimen, 20–30 min, at least 5 times a week | 131 dyads | Low adherence levels | Carers‘involvement Overall BPSD (behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia) lower if adherence is maintained | 116 completed the trial (89%) Prescribed frequency of walks was achieved by 31% of treatment group, prescribed intensity in 53% of walks |
Author(s) and year | Study design | Aim of the study | Type of intervention | Sample details | Main barriers | Key facilitators | Adherence data |
Rantakokko et al. 2017 [43] | Life-Space Assessment, Self-reported ability to walk 2 km was assessed | Task modifications in walking may help community-dwelling older people to postpone life-space mobility decline |  | 848/816/761 | Walking difficulty, becoming home bound | Self reported modifications in walking, using mobility devices |  |
Phinney et al. 2016 [36] | Ethnographic study, participant observation | To explore how community-based programming can promote social citizenship, | Every day leisure group walk in neighborhood | 15 | Emotionally safe environment, overstressing dementia, medicalising/overmedicalising environment, not interacting with participants, not being able to accommodate weaker members, | Social view on the walking program – being part of the community, belonging, non medicalised atmosphere, normal everyday activities, keeping the focus off dementia, emotionally safe environment, outdoors & being able to observe and react to things happening around, enjoyment of each other’s company, sharing cards with public explaining aims of this particular group makes them more welcome in the community, group resting on principles of compassion and empowerment | Not reported |
Author(s) and year | Study design | Aim of the study | Type of intervention | Sample details | Main barriers | Key facilitators | Adherence data |
Alphen et al. 2016 [34] | Systematic review | To reveal factors that facilitate or hamper participation of dementia patients on PA | Review including also walking programs | 7 studies with 39 dementia patients and 36 caregivers | Physical and mental limitations Difficulties with guidance Organization of PA by caregivers | Service providers familiar with exercise benefits Strategies to avoid health problems Convenient and personalized options of PA | Not reported |
ROG HARRISON, KIM STRACHAN, SHEILA THORBURN 2017 – stirling dementia project grey lit | Grey literature – report | To evaluate the second year of a dementia friendly walking group project, to explore the attendees’ experiences of attending the walking groups. | Every day leisure group walks in urban, suburban and rural areas. | 6 walking groups – 1 person with dementia and 1 carer from each group for individual interviews. Focus group interviews involved all the walk attendees and volunteer walk leaders in each walking group (numbers not reported) | Environmental issues making walking routes challenging/inaccessible Not having funded walk organisers Challenges posed by joining a walking group for the first time | Therapeutic impact of being outdoors Having an effective walk leader and ensuring funding remained in place to employ walk leaders Social support provided by the group for both people with dementia and their carers Having accessible walking routes Individual tailoring of walking routes Having inclusive/mixed groups, rather than making walks exclusively for people living with dementia | Not reported |