Feasibility and Satisfaction with Online, Livestreaming, Interactive, Group Movement Classes for People with Mild Cognitive Impairment or Mild Dementia and Care Partners

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundPreventing Loss of Independence through Exercise (PLIÉ) is a gentle, in‐person, mind‐body, group movement program for people with dementia (PWD) or mild cognitive impairment (MCI); Paired PLIÉ includes dyads of PWD and care partners (CPs). We previously found that PLIÉ and Paired PLIÉ improve physical, cognitive, social, and emotional well‐being. This study assessed feasibility and satisfaction with an online version called Moving Together.MethodStudy participants were recruited through previous in‐person PLIÉ/Paired PLIÉ classes, caregiver support groups, social media, and word‐of‐mouth. Inclusion criteria were: ≥18 years old, live in U.S., be a PWD (typically with a CP) or have MCI (with or without CP), and be willing and able to participate in online Moving Together classes for 1 hour, 2 days/week for 12 weeks during the study period. We assessed feasibility based on program completion and class attendance and satisfaction using a post‐program evaluation survey with quantitative and open‐ended questions.ResultA total of 39 people (18 PWD, 7 MCI, 14 CP) participated in 4 classes. PWD/MCI were 78 ± 16 years old, 56% female and 73% non‐Hispanic white. CPs were 66 ± 16 years old, 80% women, and 61% non‐Hispanic white. Nearly half (44%) had previously participated in‐person. Thirty participants (77%) completed the 12‐week program, of whom 24 (80%) completed the evaluation survey. Participants attended 75% ± 29% of classes. Ninety‐six percent (n = 23) rated the program as excellent (n = 19) or good (n = 4), and 88% (n = 21) were highly likely to recommend the program to others (scores of 8‐10 on 10‐point scale). Qualitative analyses revealed participant‐reported benefits for PWD, MCI and CPs in the domains of social connection (“camaraderie,” “like a family”), emotional well‐being (“happier,” “less stressed”), physical function/state (“balance has improved,” “more range‐of‐motion,” “stronger,” “energized,” “relaxed”), cognitive function (“more focus,” “learning new things”) and present‐centered body awareness (“more conscious of breathing patterns”). In addition, PWD/MCI experienced improvements in self‐concept/acceptance (“less immediate shame and more confidence”), and CPs reported improvements in caregiving efficacy (“greater purpose,” “more comfortable”).ConclusionThe online Moving Together program is feasible for people with dementia or mild cognitive impairment and care partners. Participants report high satisfaction and positive outcomes.