The Effect of Square Step Exercise (SSE) on Cognition, Perceived Physical Literacy and Communication Skills of the Elderly

Abstract

Background: As people age, many experience declines in cognitive function, motor skills, and communication abilities, which can substantially affect their quality of life. Simple, accessible exercises, such as the Square Step Exercise (SSE), have gained attention as effective methods for improving these abilities. Objectives: The current study aimed to investigate the effects of Square Step Exercise (SSE) on cognitive function, perceived physical literacy, and communication skills in older adults. Methods: The sample comprised 27 older women and men aged 60 to 70 years (M = 62.63, SD = 2.44) residing in a nursing home in Tabriz. Participants were selected purposively and assigned to experimental (n = 14) and control (n = 13) groups. The experimental group participated in a 6-week SSE training program (3 sessions per week, 70 minutes per session), whereas the control group continued the nursing home's routine daily physical activities. Data were collected using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), the Communication Skills Questionnaire, and the Senior Perceived Physical Literacy Instrument (SPPLI). Results: The results indicated that SSE had a positive effect on the perceived physical literacy among older adults. The experimental group showed significant improvements in three subscales of perceived physical literacy: Attitude toward physical activity (P = 0.033), ability to do physical activity (P = 0.028), and sociality around physical activity (P = 0.013). However, no significant changes were observed in cognitive function (p = 0.178) or communication skills (p = 0.144). Conclusions: Based on these results, SSE may be used to enhance perceived physical literacy in older adults. However, the short duration of the intervention and the lack of stronger cognitive or social components may explain the absence of significant improvements in cognition and communication.