NCT07302568

Exercise and Gezaixi Interventions on Community-Dwelling Older Adults

The Effects of Exercise and Gezaixi (Taiwanese Opera) Interventions on Community-Dwelling Older Adults

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 120 (actual)
• Sponsor: National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 65 Years – 90 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

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.

Conditions

• Frailty
• Functional Decline
• Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Strength Training plus Taiwanese Opera-based Activities	Group-based exercise delivered at community centers for community-dwelling adults aged ≥65 years. Frequency: once per week. Session length: 120 minutes per session (60 minutes progressive strength training + 60 minutes Taiwanese opera-based activities integrating singing, reciting, acting, and martial arts). Total duration: 12 consecutive weeks. * Content and progression: Strength training targets major muscle groups (e.g., sit-to-stand, rowing/pulling with elastic bands, hip abduction, calf raises) using body weight, elastic bands, or light dumbbells; intensity targeted at moderate level (Borg RPE 11-13) and progressed by resistance/repetitions as tolerated. The opera-based segment includes rhythmic movement, balance drills, upper-/lower-limb coordination, posture and breathing, and simple choreographed sequences adapted from Taiwanese opera elements. Each session includes \~10 minutes warm-up and \~10 minutes cool-down with flexibility and breathing exercises. Approximate group size:

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-12-20
• Primary completion: 2026-03-20
• Completion: 2026-03-20
• First posted: 2025-12-24
• Last updated: 2026-04-17

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Taiwan