Group Reading and Oral Exercise Program for Older Adults

N/ANot Yet RecruitingNCT07550335

Mackay Memorial Hospital60 enrolled

Overview

Depression is common among older adults and is often associated with declines in physical and oral health. Non-pharmacological, community-based interventions are needed to support both mental and physical well-being. This study examines the effects of a program combining group-based reading activities and oral exercises in community-dwelling older adults. Participants are randomly assigned to either an intervention group, which receives the six-week program, or a control group receiving general oral health education. The study evaluates whether the intervention can improve physical and oral function, enhance psychological resilience (grit), and reduce depressive symptoms.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

PREVENTION

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

Conditions

Oral Frailty Depression Sarcopenia Physical Function Decline

Interventions

Reading and Oral Exercise ProgramBEHAVIORAL

Participants in the intervention group receive a combined program of group-based reading activities and oral exercises. The program is delivered in a focus group format and includes guided reading discussions to promote emotional expression and reflection, along with structured oral exercises to enhance oral muscle function. The intervention is conducted over a 6-week period, with sessions held once every two weeks for a total of three sessions.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 55 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: 1. Community-dwelling adults aged 55 years and older. 2. Able to communicate in Mandarin or Taiwanese and capable of understanding study instructions and participating in group discussions. 3. Able to complete study questionnaires independently or with assistance from research staff. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Individuals with severe cognitive impairment that precludes understanding study procedures or participation in group discussions. 2. Individuals with a current diagnosis of severe psychiatric disorders (e.g., schizophrenia, acute phase of bipolar disorder) that would make participation in group activities inappropriate. 3. Individuals who have participated in similar psychological or bibliotherapy-based interventions within the past 3 months.

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Depressive Symptoms

Depressive symptoms measured using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), with higher scores indicating more severe depressive symptoms.

Time frame: At baseline and immediately after the 6-week intervention period

Secondary Outcomes

Oral Frailty

Oral frailty assessed using the Oral Frailty Index, with higher scores indicating greater oral frailty.

Time frame: At baseline and immediately after the 6-week intervention period

Sarcopenia Risk

Sarcopenia risk assessed using the SARC-F questionnaire, with higher scores indicating greater risk of sarcopenia

Time frame: At baseline and immediately after the 6-week intervention period

Grit

Grit assessed using the Grit Scale, with higher scores indicating greater perseverance and consistency of interest.

Time frame: At baseline and immediately after the 6-week intervention period