The Benefits of Minds in Motion®

“Research is very clear that exercise is a proven way to prevent falls. The Minds in Motion program combines cognitive and physical activity, so it’s well designed to address risk factors for people living with dementia and prevent falls.”

- Dr. Cathy Arnold PhD, BSc. P.T., Professor Emeritus, School of Rehabilitation Science, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan
 

We spoke recently with Dr. Cathy Arnold and Ruba Buni - Research Assistant, BSc. Kin Honours Graduate (College of Kinesiology, University of Saskatchewan,) and current Minds in Motion® Volunteer - about a research study they conducted with a School of Rehabilitation Science and College of Kinesiology research team, in collaboration with Dr. Alison Oates (University of Saskatchewan) and Bruce Craven, a physiotherapist, from Craven Sport Services in Saskatoon.

Their study examined how virtual and in-person delivery of the Alzheimer Society’s Minds in Motion® program can impact balance, walking and functional abilities, and fall risk in participants who are living with dementia by measuring parameters of fall risk before they started Minds in Motion® and upon their completion of the 10-week program. (For those who aren’t aware, Minds in Motion® is a fitness and social program for those with early-stage dementia and a care partner to attend together.)

Through semi-structured interviews with study participants (both people living with dementia and their care partners,) Dr. Arnold and Ms. Buni’s study also explored the experiences of Minds in Motion® participants.

Here is what we learned during our conversation with Dr. Arnold and Ms. Buni:
 

Falls are the leading cause of injury hospitalization in Saskatchewan and people living with dementia are twice as likely to experience a fall than other older adults.

Over 300 fall risk factors exist. People living with dementia experience combinations of these risk factors in a complex, multifaceted way. This may be why people living with dementia have an estimated annual fall rate of 60-80%.

Decreasing fall-related injuries and building strength and resiliency through fall prevention initiatives like Minds in Motion® can reduce emergency department visits, long-term hospitalization(s), and caregiver burnout, so people with dementia can continue to age in place in their homes.
 

Minds in Motion® participants feel the program supports them physically, cognitively, and socially.

Minds in Motion® is tailored specifically to people living with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias. A certified fitness instructor incorporates upper body and lower body exercises, which is are important elements in fall prevention programs. Following the fitness portion of each Minds in Motion® session, there is a social/cognitive activity lead by program volunteers.

During interviews with Dr. Arnold and Ms. Buni, both virtual and in-person Minds in Motion® participants identified numerous ways in which the program adds value to their lives, including diverse programming options for both people living with dementia and their caregivers, new social connections, and providing a sense of community and belonging.
 

“There's lots of things that [they’re] forgetting nowadays but Minds in Motion on Tuesday at 1:30 has really stuck in [their] head. That's gotta say something for [their] enjoyment level.”

- Care partner from study commenting on the impact Minds in Motion® had on the person with dementia they were supporting
 

“It maintained the baseline [they were] at and that's kind of my goal is to maintain [their] baseline.”

- Care partner from study commenting on the impact Minds in Motion® had on the person with dementia they were supporting
 

Both virtual and in-person Minds in Motion® meets the needs of participants in different ways.

While participants noted socialization opportunities, view of the instructor, and availability of support from volunteers as highlights from in-person delivery of Minds in Motion®, virtual program participants discussed how virtual delivery helped reduce barriers around transport and travel that some care partners may experience. For example, getting to an in-person program at the same time each week may be difficult and require a lot of planning for some families. Additionally, virtual delivery of Minds in Motion® allows for a greater reach of the program to more rural and remote communities.

Study participants felt that both virtual and in-person delivery of Minds in Motion® is accessible in terms of cost/affordability.

While both in-person and virtual sessions are facilitated by a certified fitness instructor, here is a list of a few general safety considerations for participating in Minds in Motion® from home, or virtually:

1. Do what is within your limits – carry out the exercises in a slow and controlled manner and take breaks if you feel your muscles getting tired or you have trouble keeping your balance.
    
2. Even if you don’t think you need it, have a physical support such as a sturdy chair or wall that’s close enough to touch.
    
3. Wear non-slip footwear and consider using non-slip rugs or rug tape to secure any tripping hazards.
    
4. Have a clear, open space with good lighting.
    
5. Reduce noise and other distractions in the environment.
    

People with lived experience are the experts.  

“As researchers, we can assume what participants may need but we may really miss out on what they’re actually going through. Our study participants gave us recommendations and insight into things that we, as researchers, didn't consider.”

- Ruba Buni, BSc. Kin Honours

Through discussions with people with dementia and care partners involved in the study, several recommendations to enhance future Minds in Motion® sessions were identified. Environmental considerations, adaptability, flexibility, and increased care partner support are key themes within participants’ suggestions.

You can read more about the recommendations on pages 15 and 16 of this report.
 

Being proactive, identifying, and mitigating risk does help to prevent falls. 

The overall group results of 10 Minds in Motion® participants living with dementia who agreed to be tested before and after the program suggest that at least maintenance of balance and mobility occurred. 

More information can be found in this report about the study.
 

“It’s important to understand ways to slow down deterioration in functioning and/or reduce more frequent falling. Seek help by contacting your doctor, physical therapist, or other health care providers, and by connecting to programming, such as the Minds in Motion program offered by the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan.”

- Ruba Buni, BSc. Kin Honours