Development of a core outcome set to evaluate physical activity interventions for people living with dementia: study protocol

Background/Aims: Evidence on the benefits of physical activity for people with dementia remains disparate, mainly due to the selection of heterogeneous outcomes and measurement tools. This delays clear and specific recommendations for research and clinical practice. The development of a core outcome set can contribute to overcoming this heterogeneity.

Methods: This is a study protocol for the development of a core outcome set applicable to physical activity interventions in any setting for people with dementia, across all stages of disease progression. This is a mixed methods study divided into four phases: 1) a literature review to identify outcomes used in previous literature; 2) a qualitative study to explore valued outcomes from the perspectives of different stakeholders; 3) a Delphi survey and consensus meeting to reach a minimum set of outcomes; and 4) a literature review to link the agreed core outcomes to the most appropriate measurement tool.

Conclusions: A core outcome set in this field has the potential to allow fast-tracking recommendations for application in research and clinical practice. However, dissemination activities are required to encourage researchers to implement the core outcome set.