Balance on the Brain: Multimodal exercise programme evaluating physical performance, falls, quality of life and cognition for people with mild cognitive impairment-randomised controlled trial

Background and Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a balance-focused multimodal exercise programme improves balance and reduces falls for people with mild cognitive impairment. Research Design and Methods A single-blind randomised controlled trial (n = 128, before withdrawals), with 6-month intervention, followed by 6-month maintenance period. The intervention, Balance on the Brain, consisted of three exercise programmes: walking, Balance Yourself and Clock Yourself. Results Data from 126 adults with mild cognitive impairment were included in the study (median age = 76, 63% female). The study did not meet the required sample size to be fully powered for either falls or balance primary outcomes. Therefore, the lack of significant between-group differences for the primary outcomes of falls or balance at 6 and 12-months remains inconclusive, due to insufficient power. Fifty-nine percent (n = 38) of intervention participants were identified as adherers. Adherers’ balance improved significantly compared to low-adherers/controls at 6 and 12-months and intervention adherers fell less than low-adherers/controls, although the difference was not significant. However, the adherers data were exploratory and need to be used with caution. Discussion and Implications Balance on the Brain was underpowered and as such the non-significant primary balance and falls outcomes should be interpreted as inconclusive for people living with mild cognitive impairment in the community. Those who adhered demonstrated improved balance, and reduced falls compared to low-adherers/controls, however these data should be interpreted as exploratory and with caution.