The Effect of Eight Weeks of Square Stepping Exercise on the Risk of Falls in Elderly Men

Aims: Preventing falls among the elderly is a significant public health priority in aging populations. This study examined the impact of an eight-week square stepping exercise program on fall risk in elderly men. Materials Methods: In this randomized clinical trial, 30 elderly men aged 60-75 were recruited from senior day care centers in Tehran and randomly assigned to either a square stepping exercise group or a control group. Fall risk was measured using the Biodex Balance System and Fall Risk Test at levels 10 to 12. The exercise group participated in a structured square stepping exercise regimen three times per week, with each session lasting 60 minutes, over an eight-week period. The control group continued their usual daily routines. Fall risk was reassessed after the intervention, and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to compare pre- and post-intervention results between groups. Findings: After verifying the ANCOVA assumptions, results indicated a significant group effect in the post-test, with a substantial reduction in fall risk in the exercise group (2.35±1.15) compared to the control group (4.85±1.70; p=0.001) following the eight-week intervention. Conclusion: Square stepping exercises provide a straightforward, effective, and affordable option for reducing fall risk among elderly individuals, supporting its potential as a practical home-based intervention.