Indigenous Older Adult Health and Wellbeing
Conditions
Keywords
Indigenous Peoples, Health Promotion, Exercise, Cultural Safety, Wellbeing
Brief summary
This pilot study evaluates the feasibility and acceptability of implementing the Saskatchewan Forever in Motion (FIM) group exercise program in a First Nations community in northwestern Saskatchewan. The study examines changes in physical activity, social connectedness, and quality of life among older adults participating in a 12-week community-led exercise program. The project also explores access-related factors that support participation in community-based exercise programs.
Detailed description
The Saskatchewan Forever in Motion (FIM) program is an evidence-based group exercise program for older adults that includes walking, gentle resistance band exercises, balance training, and stretching. The program is delivered by trained community members and aims to reduce barriers to physical activity such as cost, transportation, and cultural insensitivity. This pilot study will implement the FIM program on Saulteaux First Nation, Saskatchewan, Canada. Twenty adults aged 50+ will be recruited. Participants will attend twice-weekly group exercise sessions for 12 weeks. Data collection includes baseline and post-program surveys assessing physical activity (PASE), quality of life (SF-36), and social connectedness (SPS-10), as well as attendance tracking and qualitative sharing circles exploring access-related factors. Quantitative data will be analyzed for pre-post changes, and qualitative data will undergo inductive thematic analysis. Findings will inform future implementation of culturally safe exercise programs in Indigenous communities.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALExercise Program
Participants will exercise twice weekly in a group exercise program led by community members at a community center on Saulteaux First Nation
Sponsors
University of Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation (SHRF)
Saulteaux First Nation, SK
Study design
Allocation
NA
Intervention model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
50 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Adults aged 50+ * Band member or resident of Saulteaux First Nation * Able to participate in low-intensity exercise * Adults under 50 may attend, but priority is given to those 50+
Exclusion criteria
* Uncontrolled cardiovascular, metabolic, pulmonary, or renal conditions as identified by the CSEP PAR-Q+ * Determined unable to safely participate in group exercise even with support * Unable to provide informed consent and no appropriate substitute decision-maker available
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Feasibility of Program Implementation | 12 weeks | Feasibility assessed through enrollment numbers, weekly attendance, and adherence (percentage of sessions attended per participant). |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in Physical Activity (PASE) | 12 weeks | Self-reported physical activity measured using the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly. |
| Change in Quality of Life (SF-36) | 12 weeks | Self-reported quality of life measured using the Short Form-36 questionnaire. |
| Change in Social Connectedness (SPS-10) | 12 weeks | Self-reported social connectedness measured using the Social Provision Scale-10. |
| Access-Related Factors Supporting Participation | 12 weeks | Qualitative themes from sharing circles and weekly checklists exploring what helped participants access the program. |
Countries
Canada
Contacts
STUDY_CHAIRAnne Leis, PhD
University of Saskatchewan
Outcome results
None listed