Exercise and Gezaixi Interventions on Community-Dwelling Older Adults

National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences

Status

Invitation-only

Conditions

Functional Decline

Frailty

Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Treatments

Behavioral: Strength Training plus Taiwanese Opera-based Activities

Study type

Interventional

Funder types

Other

Identifiers

NCT07302568

202503em021

Details and patient eligibility

About

This interventional study evaluates a 12-week, once-weekly group exercise program combining 60 minutes of progressive strength training and 60 minutes of Taiwanese opera-based activities for community-dwelling adults aged ≥65 in Taipei. The primary aim is to delay frailty and functional decline by improving physical fitness and independence. Primary outcomes are muscle strength, calf circumference, and SOF frailty score; secondary outcomes are BSRS-5, GGDS-5, and SARC-F. The study uses a non-randomized, parallel two-arm design (exercise vs. usual activity), open-label, with assessments at baseline and week 12.

Full description

Participants attend weekly 120-minute sessions for 12 consecutive weeks at community centers. Strength training targets major muscle groups using body weight, elastic bands, or light dumbbells at moderate intensity (Borg RPE 11-13) with progressive overload. The Taiwanese opera-based segment integrates singing, reciting, acting, and martial arts elements to promote balance, coordination, posture, and endurance. Sessions include warm-up and cool-down. Certified C-level instructors lead classes; adherence and adverse events are monitored each session. Statistical analysis will compare pre-post changes within groups (paired t-tests) and between-group differences in change scores (independent t-tests or ANCOVA adjusting for baseline values). Missing data will be handled primarily using complete case analysis, with sensitivity analyses using linear mixed-effects models under a MAR assumption or multiple imputation as appropriate.

Enrollment

120 estimated patients

Sex

All

Ages

65 to 90 years old

Volunteers

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

Age ≥65 years.
Community-dwelling older adults residing in Taipei.
Able to ambulate independently (with or without assistive device).
Able to communicate and provide informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

Unstable cardiopulmonary disease or uncontrolled hypertension.
Severe cognitive impairment affecting participation.
Recent major surgery or fracture within the past 3 months.
Any contraindication to moderate-intensity exercise as assessed by the study team.