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

Abstract

Background: Evidence on the benefits of physical activity for people with dementia (PwD) 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 Core Outcome Sets (COS) can contribute to overcoming this heterogeneity. Content: This is a study protocol for the development of a COS applicable to physical activity interventions, in any setting, for PwD, across stages of the disease progression. This is a mixed methods study divided in four phases: i) literature review to identify outcomes used in previous literature; ii) a qualitative study to explore valued outcomes in the perspective of different stakeholder; iii) a Delphi survey and consensus meeting to reach a minimum set of outcomes and iv) a literature review to link the agreed core outcomes to the most appropriate measurement tool. Conclusions: A COS in this field has the potential to allow fast-tracking recommendations to research and clinical practice. However, dissemination activities are required to encourage researchers to implement the COS.