Nano-Learning for Improving Compliance Among Older Adults With Sarcopenia

Not Applicable

Active, not recruiting

• Conditions: Learning; Lack of (Specific); Depression; Older Adults; Sarcopenia

• Registration Number: NCT07185763
• Lead Sponsor: Alexandria University

Brief Summary

Empirical evidence suggests that the use of short videos is associated with decreased feelings of loneliness and social isolation, thereby reducing depression among older adults . Platforms that allow users to showcase aspects of their own lives also serve as a significant avenue for achieving "happiness in old age" and enhancing social interactions with acquaintances . Therefore, this study aims to provide robust evidence on the effectiveness of nano-learning interventions, particularly in the context of sarcopenia, where addressing physical and psychological well-being has become increasingly critical among this cohort.

Detailed Description

Nanolearning is an innovative pedagogical strategy that delivers content in highly focused, ultra-short learning experiences, often lasting less than two minutes, aimed at teaching a single skill or topic . Typically offered digitally through bite-sized video lessons or interactive practice exercises, it capitalizes on learners' preference for short-form content and informal learning methods, making knowledge acquisition more accessible and manageable for busy individuals. A defining feature of nano-learning is its brevity, with lessons intentionally kept under two minutes to align with contemporary learning habits, such as engaging with short-form videos on platforms like YouTube Shorts and TikTok . Empirical evidence suggests that the use of short videos is associated with decreased feelings of loneliness and social isolation, thereby reducing depression among older adults . Platforms that allow users to showcase aspects of their own lives also serve as a significant avenue for achieving "happiness in old age" and enhancing social interactions with acquaintances . Therefore, this study aims to provide robust evidence on the effectiveness of nano-learning interventions, particularly in the context of sarcopenia, where addressing physical and psychological well-being has become increasingly critical among this cohort.

Study Timeline

• Status Verified: 2025-09
• Study Start: 2025-09-07
• Study First Submitted: 2025-09-07
• Study First Submitted QC: 2025-09-12
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-09-12
• Study First Posted: 2025-09-22
• Last Update Posted: 2025-09-22
• Primary Completion: 2026-01-20
• Study Completion: 2026-02-25

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 180

Inclusion Criteria

• Participants were eligible if they were 60 years or older,
• had a diagnosis of sarcopenia based on a cut-off score of ≥3 of the Sarcopenia Geriatric Scale (SARCO-GS) (Rosas-Carrasco, 2023),
• able to communicate effectively, and provided informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria

• Exclusion criteria encompassed severe cognitive impairment, debilitating chronic conditions, or unstable medical status that could hinder participation.
• Cognitive function was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), with a cutoff score of 25 or below used to exclude participants (Nasreddine, 2005).

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
A Composite Physical Function (CPF) Scale	2 month	is a validated tool designed to assess functional capacity in older adults across a continuum of daily activities. It consists of 12 items organized hierarchically, beginning with two basic activities of daily living (BADL) related to self-care, eating, and hygiene, followed by eight instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) that assess community functioning such as household chores, shopping, and mobility, and concluded with two advanced activities involving more demanding household tasks and strenuous physical exercise.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form (MNA-SF)	2 month	is a validated screening tool and one of the most widely recognized and well-studied tools for nutritional screening. It is designed to quickly identify older adults who are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition. As a shortened version of the full Mini Nutritional Assessment, it is widely used in clinical, community, and research settings due to its simplicity and time efficiency (Vellas et al., 2006).
Geriatric Depression Scale-Short Form (GDS-SF)	2 month	is a 15-item self-report tool designed to evaluate depression and overall well-being in older adults. Respondents indicate how they have felt during the past week by choosing either "Yes" (scored as 1) or "No" (scored as 0). Scores are summed to yield a total ranging from 0 to 15, with 0-4 reflecting no depression, 5-8 indicating mild depression, 9-11 suggesting moderate depression, and 12-15 representing severe depression. In 2013, Elhusseini translated the scale into Arabic, confirming its validity and reliability (r = 0.70). The GDS-SF remains one of the most effective and widely used geriatric-specific screening instruments for detecting depression in older adults (Abd El Fatah et al., 2022; Stone et al., 2019).

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Faculty of Nursing; 🇪🇬 Alexandria, Egypt