EFFECTS AND COST-EFFECTIVENESS OF AN INTERNET-BASED INTERVENTION FOR FAMILY CAREGIVERS OF PATIENTS WITH DEMENTIA: METHODS OF A PERSONALIZED EXERCISE PROGRAM

Abstract

Objectives: Internet-based interventions may represent an efficacious supporting alternative for those family caregivers who are often limited to do physical exercise regularly due to lack of time and/or they reside away from conventional facilities, especially those who live in remote rural locations. This study aims to describe comprehensively a new methodology for a randomized controlled trial that will evaluate the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of a personalized Internet-based physical exercise intervention to improve the fitness and health-related quality of life of female family caregivers of relatives with dementia. Methods: The intervention will include three Internet-based 1-hour-long physical exercise sessions per week during 3 months; it will be supervised by a personal trainer, and it will be performed at the caregiver’s home by using online interaction in real-time. Results: The expected outcomes will be: (1) feasibility and adherence to the intervention; (2) positive effects on fitness and health-related quality of life; (3) lower risk of depression; (4) decrease in subjective burden and (5) reduction of other psychological symptoms. Analyses will also include the evaluation of the cost-effectiveness of the intervention. Discussion: This personalized intervention is a support strategy to overcome the constraints that the caregivers usually have to face when it comes to participating in a physical exercise program. This intervention might thus be a feasible and appropriate proposal to alleviate the physical and psychological impacts that arise from their role as primary caregiver, and might be an innovative cost-effective assistance intervention for this population. Conclusion: The present intervention might provide policymakers with potential solutions to promote the implementation of Internet-based care services at regional and national level, lessen caregivers’ demands for face-to-face health-care resources.