The Effects of Exercise and Gezaixi (Taiwanese Opera) Interventions on Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Overview
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Status
- Completed
- Enrollment
- 120
- Locations
- 2
- Primary Endpoint
- Muscle Strength
Overview
Brief Summary
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.
Detailed 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.
Study Design
- Study Type
- Interventional
- Allocation
- Non Randomized
- Intervention Model
- Parallel
- Primary Purpose
- Prevention
- Masking
- None
Eligibility Criteria
- Ages
- 65 Years to 90 Years (Older Adult)
- Sex
- All
- Accepts Healthy Volunteers
- Yes
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.
Arms & Interventions
Exercise with Taiwanese Opera Elements
Weekly 2-hour group sessions for 12 consecutive weeks; 60 minutes progressive strength training plus 60 minutes Taiwanese opera-based activities.
Intervention: Strength Training plus Taiwanese Opera-based Activities (Behavioral)
Usual Activity
Control : Usual Activity（No Intervention）
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Muscle Strength
Time Frame: From enrollment to the end of intervention at 12 week
Change in muscle strength from baseline to week 12, measured using standardized tests (e.g., handgrip strength with a dynamometer in kilograms, or 30-second chair stand repetitions). Higher values indicate better strength.
Calf Circumference
Time Frame: rom enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 weeks
Change in calf circumference (centimeters) measured at the widest point of the non-dominant calf using a non-stretchable tape. Larger circumference generally indicates better muscle mass.
Calf Circumference
Time Frame: rom enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 weeks
Change in calf circumference (centimeters) measured at the widest point of the non-dominant calf using a non-stretchable tape. Larger circumference generally indicates better muscle mass.
Study of Osteoporotic Fractures (SOF) frailty score
Time Frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 week
Change in Study of Osteoporotic Fractures (SOF) frailty score (range 0-3; higher scores indicate greater frailty)
Muscle Strength
Time Frame: From enrollment to the end of intervention at 12 week
Change in muscle strength from baseline to week 12, measured using standardized tests (e.g., handgrip strength with a dynamometer in kilograms, or 30-second chair stand repetitions). Higher values indicate better strength.
Secondary Outcomes
- SARC-F(From enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 weeks)
- Brief Symptom Rating Scale 5-item (BSRS-5)(From enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 weeks)
- SARC-F(From enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 weeks)
- Geriatric Depression Scale score 5-item(GGDS-5)(From enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 weeks)
Investigators
Wu Gueyhau
Associate Professor
National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences