Abstract:

Objective To explore the intervention effect of a square stepping exercise program on elderly people with mild cognitive impairment（MCI） living in an elderly care institution，aiming to provide references for clinical practice. Methods The square stepping exercise program was developed through literature review，expert consultation and a pilot study. In this randomized controlled trial，70 elderly people with MCI from a nursing institution in Hangzhou from July to October 2025 were selected as research subjects through convenience sampling. They were randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group（35 cases in each group）. The experimental group received the square stepping exercise program for 12 weeks in addition to routine care in the elderly care institution，while the control group received routine care only. Cognitive function，balance function，mobility，and quality of life were compared between the 2 groups before and after the intervention. Results Eventually，33 cases in the experimental group and 34 cases in the control group completed the study. After the 12-week intervention，the scores in the experimental group had significant statistical differences in Montreal Cognitive Assessment，visuospatial and executive function，attention，delayed recall，Berg Balance Scale，Timed Up and Go Test and physical and mental health of 12-item Short-Form Health Survey compared with those in the control group（P<0.05）. No exercise-related adverse events occurred in the experimental group. Conclusion The square stepping exercise program is safe and feasible，and it can effectively delay the progression of cognitive decline in elderly people with MCI in nursing institutions，and improve their balance function，mobility and quality of life.

Key words: Square Stepping Exercise, Aged, Mild Cognitive Impairment, Nursing Institution, Cognitive Function, Balance Function, Nursing Care

摘要：

目的 探讨方块踏步运动方案对养老机构轻度认知障碍老年人的干预效果，为临床实践提供参考。 方法 通过文献分析、专家论证及预试验构建方块踏步运动方案。采用随机对照试验设计，便利选取2025年7—10月杭州市某所养老机构的70例轻度认知障碍老年人作为研究对象，随机分为试验组与对照组（各35例）。试验组在养老机构常规照护的基础上接受为期12周的方块踏步运动方案，对照组接受养老机构常规照护。比较两组干预前后的认知功能、平衡功能、移动能力及生活质量。 结果 最终试验组33例、对照组34例完成研究。干预后，试验组蒙特利尔认知评估量表总分、视空间与执行功能得分、注意力得分、延迟回忆得分、Berg平衡量表得分、计时起立行走测试时间及简明健康状况调查量表中生理与心理健康得分均优于对照组，差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。试验组未发生运动相关不良事件。 结论 在养老机构轻度认知障碍老年人中实施方块踏步运动方案安全、可行，能有效延缓其短期认知下降，提高平衡功能及移动能力，改善其生活质量。

关键词: 方块踏步运动, 老年人, 轻度认知障碍, 养老机构, 认知功能, 平衡功能, 护理