NCT07025967

Using Mölkky for Community-dwelling Older Adults

Using Mölkky for Community-dwelling Older Adults - A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

• Status: Active Not Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 50 (actual)
• Sponsor: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 60 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

Physical activity is known to be a protector against major diseases. However, they usually do closed-skilled types, like jogging, swimming, Tai Chi. Our research showed that older adults benefit more from engaging in open-skilled activities. Mölkky is a Finnish throwing game that is considered an open-skilled activity. The project investigates the benefits of Mölkky as an open-skilled physical activity and home activity for older adults.

Detailed description

This study aims to examine the impacts of Mölkky on the overall functioning and psychological well-being of older adults when compared with a traditional home activity, including exercise and cognitive training. 45 older adults aged 60 or above from elderly service centres complete both baseline and post-program assessments. The Mölkky group receives Mölkky training in preparation for a Mölkky tournament, while the home activity group receives conventionally prescribed exercises and cognitive training. Assessments, including physical, cognitive, psychological and quality of life assessments, were conducted twice, at baseline and after 8 weeks.

Conditions

• Older Adults Without Any Specific Clinical Condition

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Mölkky	The Mölkky group participants receive two-hour weekly or bi-weekly Mölkky training sessions at their elderly community centers. In the sessions, participants are divided into two teams, taking turns throwing a wooden pin called the Mölkky to hit 12 smaller skittles. The fallen skittles are placed upright where they landed after each turn. The first team that reaches exactly 50 points wins.
BEHAVIORAL	Home activity	The participants in the home program receive weekly visits by social workers, physiotherapists, or occupational therapists at their homes for an activity regime including closed-skilled exercises and cognitive training. The closed-skilled exercises included stretching, elastic band exercises and functional exercises like tandem standing and bridging. Cognitive training included reality orientation, memory exercises, calculation, and mind-body exercises like Baduanjin.

Timeline

• Start date: 2024-08-01
• Primary completion: 2026-02-01
• Completion: 2026-05-01
• First posted: 2025-06-18
• Last updated: 2025-12-01

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Hong Kong