Beuttner & Fitzsimmons, 2002

Buettner L.L., Fitzsimmons S. (2002). AD-venture program: therapeutic biking for the treatment of depression in long-term care residents with dementia.  Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen., 17(2):121-7.

This project tested an innovative intervention in a controlled clinical investigation of a nonpharmacological treatment of depression in long-term care residents with dementia. This treatment utilized a wheelchair bicycle in a recreation therapy protocol, which combined small group activity therapy and one-to-one bike rides with a staff member. Depression levels were significantly reduced in the two-week portion of the study with levels maintained in the 10-week maintenance period. Improvements were also found in sleep and levels of activity engagement.