Experiences of nursing home-dwelling older adults with mild cognitive impairment participating in a Chinese square...

To explore the experiences of older adults with mild cognitive impairment participating in a Chinese square dancing program, we conducted a qualitative study through individual semistructured interviews between September 2019 and November 2019 in the nursing home where the program was implemented. Purposive sampling was used to select participants from those completing the dancing program. The sample size was determined by data saturation. Thirteen participants were included. The data were analyzed using content analysis. Three main categories, including benefits associated with exercise, facilitators of adherence, and barriers to adherence, emerged. In conclusion, participants reported multiple positive experiences; thus, square dancing may be an acceptable and desirable intervention for older adults with mild cognitive impairment. In future promotion processes, attention should be paid to the progressive nature of the activity, the use of professionally trained instructors, participants' awareness of the benefits gained, and the forgetfulness of participants.