Improving Sports and Recreation Services in Mashhad for Elderly and Intergenerational Interaction (ESPIRE-M)

NCT06860126 | Completed DMC

• 1 other identifier: IR-IAU-MSHD.REC.1397.027
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 384
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 2

Brief Summary

This interventional study aims to design strategies to improve service quality and productivity in recreational sports facilities in Mashhad Municipality, focusing on creating an age-friendly city. The research consists of two parts: fieldwork and an experimental section. Field Section:

• Control Group: 78 seniors continued daily routines without structured activities.
• Experimental Groups:
• Non-sport intergenerational interaction sessions (90 minutes, 3x/week).
• Intergenerational yoga sessions (90 minutes, 3x/week).
• Light aerobic exercises + group discussions (90 minutes, 3x/week).
• Non-exercise intergenerational sessions in a park (90 minutes, 3x/week).
• Non-exercise intergenerational sessions in a nursing home (90 minutes, 3x/week).
• 384 customers of Mashhad Municipality sports facilities (192 women, 192 men). Key Notes:
• Elderly participants were selected through cluster sampling; younger participants were purposively sampled from Mashhad's Islamic Azad University.
• Gender balance (50% women, 50% men) was maintained in all groups. Main Questions:
• How do service quality factors influence customers of Mashhad Municipality sports facilities?
• Do intergenerational programs improve quality of life, health, and well-being for seniors?
• What are the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats for elderly sports participation?
• What strategies can enhance elderly participation in sports?

Conditions

Aged; Quality of Life; Mental Health

Keywords

Intergenerational Interaction; Age-Friendly City; Recreational Sports Facilities; Elderly Participation in Sports; Quality of Life in Seniors; Service Quality in Sports Facilities; SERVQUAL Questionnaire; SWOT Analysis for Elderly Sports; Yoga for Seniors; Light Aerobic Exercises for Elderly; Non-Sporting Intergenerational Programs; Health Outcomes in Elderly; Depression Reduction in Seniors; Social Engagement in Elderly; Mashhad Municipality Sports Programs; Elderly Well-Being; Urban Recreational Strategies; Inclusive Sports Programs; Physical Activity for Seniors; Psychological Health in Elderly

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (3)

• Effects of Intergenerational Interventions on Quality of Life Effects of Intergenerational Interventions on Quality of Life Effects of Intergenerational Interventions on Quality of Life

  Quality of Life (QOL) was assessed using the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire (Short Form), a 26-item tool measuring four dimensions: physical health, psychological health, social relationships, and environment. Items are rated on a 6-point scale, with scores converted to a 0-100 scale. Higher scores indicate better QOL. * Pre-Test Scores: * Physical Health: Range = 12.5-68.75 * Psychological: Range = 31.25-62.5 * Social Relationships: Range = 37.5-50 * Environment: Range = 25-62.5 * Post-Test Scores: * Physical Health: Range = 25-68.75 * Psychological: Range = 18.75-62.5 * Social Relationships: Range = 28.125-46.875 * Environment: Range = 12.5-37.5 * Results: * Physical health: 41.53 (baseline) → 70.97 (post-intervention). * Psychological: 40.93 → 63.31. * Social relationships: 42.94 → 50.20. * Environment: 44.15 → 52.62.

  Baseline and after a 3-month intervention period.

• Effects of Intergenerational Interventions on Mental Health (General Health)

  Mental health was assessed using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28), a 28-item tool evaluating physical symptoms, anxiety, social functioning, and depression. Items are scored from 0 to 3, with total scores ranging from 0-84. Higher scores indicate greater psychological distress. Pre-test Scores: Somatic symptoms: 4-21 Anxiety and sleep disorder: 2-21 Social function: 7-21 Depression symptoms: 9-21 Total: 29-70 Post-test Scores: Somatic symptoms: 5-21 Anxiety and sleep disorder: 1-21 Social function: 7-20 Depression symptoms: 7-21 Total: 30-68 * Somatic symptoms: 13.61 (baseline) → 8.78 (post-intervention). * Anxiety and sleep disorder: 13.62 → 7.27. * Social function: 15.48 → 11.95. * Depression symptoms: 13.57 → 6.63.

  Baseline and after a 3-month intervention period.

• Effects of Intergenerational Interventions on Depression Levels

  Depression levels were measured using the Geriatric Depression Scale (Short Form), a 15-item binary response questionnaire specifically designed for the elderly. Scores range from 0-15, with higher scores indicating greater depression. Pre-test Scores: 8-15 Post-test Scores: 5-14

  Measurements were taken at baseline and after a 3-month intervention period.

Study Arms (6)

Experimental Group 1

EXPERIMENTAL

* Tasks: Engage in 90-minute non-sport intergenerational interaction sessions, three times weekly for three months, in a controlled indoor environment. Activities include paired interactions and group discussions. * Participants: 60 seniors (30 women, 30 men) and 60 younger individuals (30 women, 30 men, average age 21.45 ± 0.35 years).

Behavioral: Intergenerational Activity Program: This indicates a program that involves activities designed for interaction between older adults and younger participants

Experimental Group 2

EXPERIMENTAL

* Tasks: Participate in 90-minute intergenerational yoga sessions, three times weekly for three months, in a gym setting. Sessions include warm-up, yoga exercises (asanas and pranayama), and relaxation. * Participants: 60 seniors (30 women, 30 men) and 60 younger individuals (30 women, 30 men).

Behavioral: Yoga and Mindfulness Sessions

Experimental Group 3

EXPERIMENTAL

* Tasks: Engage in 60-minute light aerobic exercises in a park, followed by 30-minute group discussions, three times weekly for three months. * Participants: 60 seniors (30 women, 30 men) and 60 younger individuals (30 women, 30 men).

Behavioral: Physical Exercise and Storytelling

Experimental Group 4

EXPERIMENTAL

* Tasks: Participate in 90-minute non-exercise intergenerational interaction sessions in a park, focusing on group discussions and storytelling. * Participants: 60 seniors (30 women, 30 men) and 60 younger individuals (30 women, 30 men).

Behavioral: Outdoor Interaction Games

Experimental Group 5

EXPERIMENTAL

* Tasks: Engage in 90-minute non-exercise intergenerational interaction sessions in a nursing home, focusing on group discussions and storytelling. * Participants: 60 seniors (30 women, 30 men) and 60 younger individuals (30 women, 30 men).

Behavioral: Social Visits to Nursing Homes

Control Group

OTHER

* Tasks: Continue daily routines without intergenerational interaction or structured activities. * Participants: 78 seniors (39 women, 39 men) selected through stratified random sampling.

Other: control group

Interventions

Intergenerational Activity Program: This indicates a program that involves activities designed for interaction between older adults and younger participants BEHAVIORAL

Engage in 90-minute intergenerational interaction sessions, three times a week for three months, in a controlled indoor environment. * Spend the first 45 minutes actively interacting with a younger participant in pairs, collaborating on activities of interest to the senior. * Participate in group activities such as book reading, puzzles, joke-telling, and sharing experiences for the remaining 45 minutes. * Attend 36 sessions held on odd days in the main hall of the Neshat Center. * Gender Representation: * 60 participants (30 women and 30 men) aged 60 and above, selected through stratified random sampling from Mashhad's elderly population. * 60 younger participants (30 women and 30 men) with an average age of 21.45 ± 0.35 years, selected through purposive sampling from Mashhad's Islamic Azad University.

Experimental Group 1

Yoga and Mindfulness Sessions BEHAVIORAL

Participate in 90-minute intergenerational yoga sessions, three times a week for three months, in a gym setting. * Perform modified yoga exercises suitable for seniors, including: * 20 minutes of warm-up with stretching and joint rotations. * 50 minutes of main exercises (asanas and pranayama). * 20 minutes of relaxation and meditation (Shavasana). * Attend sessions on odd days at 9 AM in the Neshat Center yoga hall. * Gender Representation: * 60 participants (30 women and 30 men) aged 60 and above, selected through stratified random sampling from Mashhad's elderly population. * 60 younger participants (30 women and 30 men) with an average age of 21.45 ± 0.35 years, selected through purposive sampling from Mashhad's Islamic Azad University.

Experimental Group 2

Physical Exercise and Storytelling BEHAVIORAL

Engage in 60-minute light aerobic exercises, three times a week for three months, in a park setting. * Follow warm-up and aerobic exercises led by a senior fitness instructor. * Spend 30 minutes in a friendly group discussion, sharing experiences and memories with younger participants. * Attend sessions on even days at 9 AM in Mashhad's Mellat Park. * Gender Representation: * 60 participants (30 women and 30 men) aged 60 and above, selected through stratified random sampling from Mashhad's elderly population. * 60 younger participants (30 women and 30 men) with an average age of 21.45 ± 0.35 years, selected through purposive sampling from Mashhad's Islamic Azad University.

Experimental Group 3

Outdoor Interaction Games BEHAVIORAL

Participate in 90-minute intergenerational interaction sessions, three times a week for three months, in a park setting. * Engage in non-exercise activities such as group discussions, storytelling, and sharing experiences with younger participants. * Attend sessions on even days at 9 AM in Mashhad's Mellat Park. * Gender Representation: * 60 participants (30 women and 30 men) aged 60 and above, selected through stratified random sampling from Mashhad's elderly population. * 60 younger participants (30 women and 30 men) with an average age of 21.45 ± 0.35 years, selected through purposive sampling from Mashhad's Islamic Azad University.

Experimental Group 4

Social Visits to Nursing Homes BEHAVIORAL

Engage in 90-minute intergenerational interaction sessions, three times a week for three months, in a nursing home setting. * Participate in non-exercise activities such as group discussions, storytelling, and sharing experiences with younger participants. * Attend sessions on odd days at 9 AM in the nursing home. * Gender Representation: * 60 participants (30 women and 30 men) aged 60 and above, selected through stratified random sampling from Mashhad's elderly population. * 60 younger participants (30 women and 30 men) with an average age of 21.45 ± 0.35 years, selected through purposive sampling from Mashhad's Islamic Azad University.

Experimental Group 5

control group OTHER

Continue with their daily routines without participating in any intergenerational interaction or structured activities. * No specific interventions or programs are provided. * Gender Representation: * 78 participants (39 women and 39 men) aged 60 and above, selected through stratified random sampling from Mashhad's elderly population.

Control Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 60 Years+
• Gender Eligibility Details: This study is open to all self-identified genders. Participants aged 60 years and older will be recruited equally from all gender identities, ensuring inclusivity and representation. For the young participants aged 20 to 24 years from Islamic Azad University, both male and female individuals, regardless of gender identity, are eligible to participate.
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Elderly Participants:
• Aged 60 years or older.
• Ability to engage in physical activities.
• Absence of sensory or motor disabilities.
• No use of antidepressant medications.
• No history of conditions such as Alzheimer's or other illnesses that could pose risks during exercise.
• Younger Participants:
• Aged 20 to 24 years.
• Unmarried.
• Living with their parents.
• Native residents of Mashhad.

You may not qualify if:

• Irregular attendance (more than two absences).
• Physical or psychological issues hindering participation.
• Lack of willingness to continue.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Zinat Ebrahimi: lead

Study Sites (2)

Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, Islamic Azad University, Sanandaj, Iran.

Sanandaj, Kurdistan Province, 0098, Iran

Location

Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, Faculty of Humanities and Literature, Sanandaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sanandaj, Iran.

Sanandaj, Kurdistan Province, 6616947455, Iran

Location

Related Publications (17)

• Ebrahimi, Zinat. Helen Nazary, Parivash Piraki. (2023). The Service Quality of Sport-entertainment Facilities of Mashhad Municipality with the Approach of an Elderly-friendly City in 2018 (Persian). Journal of Gerontology (joge), 7(4): 89-100. DOI: 10.22034/JOGE.7.4.8. https://joge.ir/article-1-618-fa.html

  BACKGROUND

• Veisi, K. Ismailzadeh Ghandehary, M.R. Ebrahimi, Z. (2023). Comparing the Effectiveness of Interventions of Intergenerational Interaction and Physical Activities on Depression of Elderly Women and Men (Persian). Journal of Gerontology (joge). 8(1): 10-19. https://joge.ir/article-1-620-fa.html

  BACKGROUND

• Ebrahimi Z, Esmaeilzadeh Ghandehary MR, Veisi K. Comparing the efficacy of Yoga exercise and intergenerational interaction program on mental health of elderly. J Research & Health2019; 9(5): 401- 410.

  BACKGROUND

• Eshun-Wilson I, Siegfried N, Akena DH, Stein DJ, Obuku EA, Joska JA. Antidepressants for depression in adults with HIV infection. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018 Jan 22;1(1):CD008525. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD008525.pub3.

  PMID: 29355886 BACKGROUND

• Steptoe A, Deaton A, Stone AA. Subjective wellbeing, health, and ageing. Lancet. 2015 Feb 14;385(9968):640-648. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(13)61489-0. Epub 2014 Nov 6.

  PMID: 25468152 BACKGROUND

• Santini S, Tombolesi V, Baschiera B, Lamura G. Intergenerational Programs Involving Adolescents, Institutionalized Elderly, and Older Volunteers: Results from a Pilot Research-Action in Italy. Biomed Res Int. 2018 Dec 5;2018:4360305. doi: 10.1155/2018/4360305. eCollection 2018.

  PMID: 30627555 BACKGROUND

• Murayama Y, Ohba H, Yasunaga M, Nonaka K, Takeuchi R, Nishi M, Sakuma N, Uchida H, Shinkai S, Fujiwara Y. The effect of intergenerational programs on the mental health of elderly adults. Aging Ment Health. 2015;19(4):306-14. doi: 10.1080/13607863.2014.933309. Epub 2014 Jul 10.

  PMID: 25010219 BACKGROUND

• Murayama Y, Murayama H, Hasebe M, Yamaguchi J, Fujiwara Y. The impact of intergenerational programs on social capital in Japan: a randomized population-based cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health. 2019 Feb 6;19(1):156. doi: 10.1186/s12889-019-6480-3.

  PMID: 30727981 BACKGROUND

• Mosor E, Waldherr K, Kjeken I, Omara M, Ritschl V, Pinter-Theiss V, Smolen J, Hubel U, Stamm T. An intergenerational program based on psycho-motor activity promotes well-being and interaction between preschool children and older adults: results of a process and outcome evaluation study in Austria. BMC Public Health. 2019 Mar 1;19(1):254. doi: 10.1186/s12889-019-6572-0.

  PMID: 30823911 BACKGROUND

• Luanaigh CO, Lawlor BA. Loneliness and the health of older people. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2008 Dec;23(12):1213-21. doi: 10.1002/gps.2054.

  PMID: 18537197 BACKGROUND

• Kamei T, Itoi W, Kajii F, Kawakami C, Hasegawa M, Sugimoto T. Six month outcomes of an innovative weekly intergenerational day program with older adults and school-aged children in a Japanese urban community. Jpn J Nurs Sci. 2011 Jun;8(1):95-107. doi: 10.1111/j.1742-7924.2010.00164.x. Epub 2010 Dec 9.

  PMID: 21615702 BACKGROUND

• Halpin SN, Dillard RL, Idler E, Clevenger C, Rothschild E, Blanton S, Wilson J, Flacker JM. The benefits of being a senior mentor: Cultivating resilience through the mentorship of health professions students. Gerontol Geriatr Educ. 2017 Jul-Sep;38(3):283-294. doi: 10.1080/02701960.2015.1079707. Epub 2015 Aug 7.

  PMID: 26251869 BACKGROUND

• Di Martino G, Della Valle C, Centorbi M, Buonsenso A, Fiorilli G, Crova C, di Cagno A, Calcagno G, Iuliano E. Bridging Generations Through Movement: "How and Why" Intergenerational Programs Operate-A Systematic and Narrative Review. Geriatrics (Basel). 2024 Oct 22;9(6):139. doi: 10.3390/geriatrics9060139.

  PMID: 39449376 BACKGROUND

• Bruce ML. Psychosocial risk factors for depressive disorders in late life. Biol Psychiatry. 2002 Aug 1;52(3):175-84. doi: 10.1016/s0006-3223(02)01410-5.

  PMID: 12182924 BACKGROUND

• Barbosa, M. R., Campinho, A., & Silva, G. (2021). "give and receive": The impact of an intergenerational program on institutionalized children and older adults. Journal of Intergenerational Relationships, 19(3), 283-304.

  BACKGROUND

• Au, A., Ng, E., Garner, B., Lai, S., & Chan, K. (2015). Proactive aging and intergenerational mentoring program to promote the well-being of older adults: pilot studies. Clinical Gerontologist, 38(3), 203-210.

  BACKGROUND

• Alonso-Cortes Fradejas B, Lafuente-Ureta R, Calvo S, Fernandez-Gorgojo M, Poveda-Lopez JL, Jimenez-Sanchez C. Analysis of an intergenerational service-learning experience based on physical exercise in a community setting: a mixed-method study. Front Public Health. 2025 Jan 14;12:1509016. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1509016. eCollection 2024.

  PMID: 39926288 BACKGROUND

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Psychological Well-Being

Interventions

Yoga; Exercise; Control Groups

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Personal Satisfaction; Behavior

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Mind-Body Therapies; Complementary Therapies; Therapeutics; Spiritual Therapies; Exercise Movement Techniques; Physical Therapy Modalities; Motor Activity; Movement; Musculoskeletal Physiological Phenomena; Musculoskeletal and Neural Physiological Phenomena; Epidemiologic Research Design; Epidemiologic Methods; Investigative Techniques; Research Design; Methods

Study Officials

• Dr. Zinat Ebrahimi, Professor

  Physical Education and Sport, Islamic Azad Sanandaj, Iran.

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: DOUBLE
• Who Masked: PARTICIPANT, OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Masking Details: In addition to the roles specified above (Participant and Outcomes Assessor), the following parties are also masked in this clinical trial: 1. Data Analysts: Individuals analyzing the trial data to prevent bias in the interpretation of results. 2. Monitoring Entities: Independent monitors overseeing the trial, who are kept unaware of the treatment allocations to ensure objectivity in their assessments. This masking strategy helps maintain the integrity of the trial and reduces the risk of bias impacting the outcomes.
• Purpose: PREVENTION
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Assistant Professor

Model Details: This study employs a Parallel Group interventional study model within a semi-experimental design framework. The methodology consists of two descriptive-correlational studies and a pre-test/post-test design with a control group. Research Design Participants were randomly assigned to six distinct groups: five experimental groups focused on different activities (intergenerational interaction, yoga exercises, exercise and interaction, park activities, and nursing home interaction) and one control group that maintained regular daily activities. This design allows for direct comparison of outcomes across groups and effectively assesses the interventions' relative effectiveness. Study Population and Sample Selection The study targeted elderly individuals aged 60 years and older, totaling 22,481, along with young participants aged 20 to 24 from Islamic Azad University. A cluster sampling method was employed to recruit 180 elderly participants, evenly divided by gender, along with 150 young

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: February 11, 2025
• First Posted: March 5, 2025
• Study Start: September 5, 2018
• Primary Completion: October 15, 2018
• Study Completion: February 12, 2019
• Last Updated: March 5, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-03

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

IR (2)