The effect of square stepping exercise training on cognitive functions and quality of life in geriatric individuals

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Square Stepping Exercise (SSE) training on cognitive functions and quality of life in geriatric individuals. Materials and Methods: 56 healthy geriatric individuals aged between 65 and 75 years were included in the study. Participants were divided into two groups by simple randomization: the Square Stepping Exercise (SSE) group and a control group. Square Stepping Exercise group received 45-minute training 3 days a week for 6 weeks. Individuals' cognitive functions were assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), the Trail Making Test, and the Stroop Test; quality of life was evaluated using the Turkish version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life-Older Adults Module (WHOQOL-OLD). Assessments were repeated before and after the exercise training. Results: The average age of individuals in the SSE and control groups was 70.54±3.31 and 70.54±3.92 years, respectively. In the exercise group, there were significant improvements in MoCA, Trail Making Test, and Stroop Test scores after the training, whereas no changes were observed in the control group. Additionally, participants in the SSE group had higher WHOQOL-OLD scores compared to those in the control group. Conclusion: Square Stepping Exercise training in geriatric individuals led to improvements in cognitive functions and enhanced quality of life compared to the control group. SSE is an effective, low-cost method that can be utilized in clinical practice to improve cognitive functions.