Exercise and Gezaixi Interventions on Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Overview

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.

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