Exercise and Gezaixi Interventions on Community-Dwelling Older Adults

NCT07302568 | Completed DMC

• 1 other identifier: 202503em021
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 120
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief 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.

Conditions

Functional Decline; Community-Dwelling Older Adults; Frailty

Keywords

Exercise; Gezaixi (Taiwanese Opera); Resistance Exercise; Strength Training; Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (3)

• Muscle Strength

  Change in muscle strength from baseline to week 12, measured using standardized tests (e.g., handgrip strength with a dynamometer in kilograms, or 30-second chair stand repetitions). Higher values indicate better strength.

  From enrollment to the end of intervention at 12 week

• Calf Circumference

  Change in calf circumference (centimeters) measured at the widest point of the non-dominant calf using a non-stretchable tape. Larger circumference generally indicates better muscle mass.

  rom enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 weeks

• Study of Osteoporotic Fractures (SOF) frailty score

  Change in Study of Osteoporotic Fractures (SOF) frailty score (range 0-3; higher scores indicate greater frailty)

  From enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 week

Secondary Outcomes (3)

• Brief Symptom Rating Scale 5-item (BSRS-5)

  From enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 weeks

• Geriatric Depression Scale score 5-item(GGDS-5)

  From enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 weeks

• SARC-F

  From enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 weeks

Study Arms (2)

Exercise with Taiwanese Opera Elements

EXPERIMENTAL

Weekly 2-hour group sessions for 12 consecutive weeks; 60 minutes progressive strength training plus 60 minutes Taiwanese opera-based activities.

Behavioral: Strength Training plus Taiwanese Opera-based Activities

Usual Activity

NO INTERVENTION

Control : Usual Activity（No Intervention）

Interventions

Strength Training plus Taiwanese Opera-based Activities BEHAVIORAL

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:

Also known as: Opera-integrated Exercise Program for Older Adults

Exercise with Taiwanese Opera Elements

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 65 Years - 90 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Age ≥65 years.
• Community-dwelling older adults residing in Taipei.
• Able to ambulate independently (with or without assistive device).
• Able to communicate and provide informed consent.

You may not qualify if:

• Unstable cardiopulmonary disease or uncontrolled hypertension.
• Severe cognitive impairment affecting participation.
• Recent major surgery or fracture within the past 3 months.
• Any contraindication to moderate-intensity exercise as assessed by the study team.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences: lead

Study Sites (1)

National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences

Taipei, Taitau District, 11219, Taiwan

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Frailty; Motor Activity

Interventions

Resistance Training; Aging

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Pathologic Processes; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms; Behavior

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Exercise Therapy; Rehabilitation; Aftercare; Continuity of Patient Care; Patient Care; Therapeutics; Physical Therapy Modalities; Physical Conditioning, Human; Exercise; Motor Activity; Movement; Musculoskeletal Physiological Phenomena; Musculoskeletal and Neural Physiological Phenomena; Growth and Development; Physiological Phenomena

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: NON RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: PREVENTION
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Associate Professor

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: December 11, 2025
• First Posted: December 24, 2025
• Study Start: December 20, 2025
• Primary Completion: March 20, 2026
• Study Completion: March 20, 2026
• Last Updated: April 17, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-04

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TW (1)