NCT06932731

Mind-Body Intervention for Older Adults in Long-term Care

The Effects of Mind-Body Intervention Versus Befriending Intervention on Loneliness for Older Adults in Long-term Care: A Randomised Controlled Trial

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 120 (estimated)
• Sponsor: The University of Hong Kong · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 60 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

Loneliness is a global health issue, particularly affecting the physical and mental health of older adults residing in long term care. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated isolation in these settings, calling for an urgent attention for finding an effective intervention to alleviate loneliness among long term care residents. Mind-body interventions (MBIs) present as a potentially promising approach aimed at reducing loneliness and mental wellbeing. This study aims to examine the effect of a nurse-led MBI compared to a befriending intervention on loneliness, quality of life, depression and level of mindfulness among older adults in long term care. The primary outcome is loneliness while secondary outcome is quality of life, depression and level of mindfulness.

Detailed description

Loneliness is becoming a global health threat particularly in older population due to natural life events such as illness, death of a spouse and a lack of friends In Hong Kong, it has been reported the 58.1% of the older people experienced a high level of loneliness. Loneliness can have a devastating impact on mental and physical health by increasing the risk of dementia, depression, anxiety, stroke, myocardial infarction and poor quality of sleep.The associated mortality rate can be as high as 26% which is comparable to the harm of prime health dangers like alcohol and cigarette. The problem is particularly pressing for the older adults residing in long term care facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Outbreaks occurred in more than 90% of long-term care facility in Hong Kong. Resulting in further isolation in their own facilities or community isolation facilities. Preventing institutionalized older adults from being trapped in loneliness is of key importance. A promotion of intervention that is driven by theoretical framework and suitable for long-term care setting is required. Mind-body practice has been extensively studied in different population such as chronic pain, heart disease, respiratory disease and community dwelling older adults. However, there is little evidence of wellbeing and loneliness reduction in mind-body practice among long term care older adults. This study will adopt befriending intervention as the control group. As befriending intervention is common in Hong Kong by volunteer visiting. This study describes a randomised controlled trial designed to compare the effectiveness of a nurse-led MBI versus befriending intervention for LTC residents to reduce loneliness and enhance wellbeing.

Conditions

• Long Term Care Facility

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Mind-body Intervention	The Mind-Body Intervention group designed to included several elements with mind and body involvement such as mindful breathing, body scan, stretching, mindful movement as well as adapting mindful practice in their routine. Mind-Body Intervention group will join the activities in a group setting for 5 sessions. Each session 45 to 60 minutes. Intervention is led by a registered nurse. Each session (except for the first session) will start by sharing of practice from the past week. Followed by mind-body practices. Before the end of session, a group discussion on the practice of that day and reflection will be done.
BEHAVIORAL	Befriending Intervention	In this group, volunteer will spend time with the participants, engaging in conversation and join their routine activities by the time of visit or other scheduled activities in the institution (such as arts and crafts, playing board games or reminiscing activities).

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-04-17
• Primary completion: 2027-04-01
• Completion: 2027-06-01
• First posted: 2025-04-17
• Last updated: 2026-04-14

Locations

2 sites across 1 country: Hong Kong