Mind-Fun Study: Feasibility of Square-stepping exercise in assisted living homes

We proposed Square-stepping exercise (SSE) as a novel intervention in continuum care (CC) and long-term care (LTC) homes and conducted a pilot cluster randomized trial [2 SSE sites (2x/wk for 12-weeks) and 2 control sites]. Primary aim: to determine the feasibility of SSE via recruitment, attendance, and program fidelity. At baseline (V0) and post-intervention (V1) we assessed: cognition (Cambridge Brain Sciences), and mood and behaviour symptoms [participants with dementia (questionnaire)]. Participants (n=71) were 81.7 (SD 11.4) years old, and 75% female. Kinesiologists found SSE socially beneficial; however, there is limited feasibility as the overall attendance rate was 40.5%. SSE improved mood and behaviour symptom scores in participants with dementia (total, frequency, and severity), all F>1, p<0.05. No differences in cognition were seen. Further research is needed to determine the effectiveness of SSE on cognition; however, the feasibility is limited in diverse groups.