Social Work-Supported Physiotherapy and Psychosocial Outcomes in Third Age University and Nursing Home Residents

NCT07525596 | Not Yet Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: 2026/4
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 48
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

The aging process is considered not only as a phase characterized by changes in physical functioning, but also as a multidimensional life stage affecting psychosocial well-being, social participation, and quality of life. The World Health Organization's healthy aging approach and the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health emphasize that the health status of older adults should be evaluated through the interaction of biological, psychological, and social dimensions. The literature indicates that physical activity and rehabilitation-based interventions not only improve functionality in older individuals but also enhance psychological well-being and social participation; however, the sustainability of these gains is largely determined by social support and environmental factors. In this context, the integration of social work and physiotherapy practices has gained importance in terms of interdisciplinary and holistic intervention models in elderly care. The aim of this study is to comparatively examine the effects of a social work-supported physiotherapy intervention, implemented among students enrolled in a Third Age University (60+ Refresher University) and older adults living in a nursing home in Turkey, on functionality, psychosocial well-being, and social health levels within the ICF framework. The study is designed as a pretest-posttest controlled quasi-experimental research model. The study population consists of students of Munzur 60+ Refresher University and individuals aged 60 and over residing in a nursing home in Tunceli. Participants selected through stratified random sampling will be assigned to intervention and control groups. A 6-week social work-supported physiotherapy program will be implemented for the intervention groups by physiotherapists and social workers. During the data collection process, physical functioning, psychosocial well-being, and social health-covering the components of the ICF-will be assessed before and after the intervention using standardized measurement tools. The study is expected to provide evidence-based contributions to holistic and interdisciplinary intervention models for older adults.

Conditions

Social Work, Psychiatric; Physiotherapy

Keywords

Disability and Health; International Classification of Functioning; Interdisciplinary Intervention; Psychosocial Well-Being; Social Work-Supported Physiotherapy

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (10)

• Demographic and Clinical Characteristics:

  Participants' demographic data, and presenting complaints at admission, diagnoses, medications used, history of surgical procedures, and comorbid conditions will be assessed.

  From enrollment to the end of the 6-week training period

• Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS)

  Fatigue will be assessed using the Fatigue Severity Scale. Participants will respond to the items by rating them on a scale from 1 to 7. The scale consists of nine items, each scored between 1 and 7. Lower scores indicate lower levels of fatigue.

  From enrollment to the end of the 6-week training period

• 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT)

  The 6-Minute Walk Test is a standardized performance-based measure used to evaluate functional exercise capacity. It assesses the distance an individual can walk on a flat surface within six minutes. The test reflects submaximal aerobic capacity and is widely used in clinical and rehabilitation settings. A greater distance indicates better functional capacity.

  From enrollment to the end of the 6-week training period

• International Physical Activity Questionnaire

  The International Physical Activity Questionnaire is a widely used self-report tool that assesses the frequency, duration, and intensity of physical activity across different domains (e.g., work, transportation, leisure). It provides estimates of total physical activity levels. A higher total score indicates a higher level of physical activity.

  From enrollment to the end of the 6-week training period

• Multidimensional Quality of Life Scale

  The Multidimensional Quality of Life Scale evaluates individuals' perceived quality of life across multiple domains, including physical, psychological, and social well-being. It provides a comprehensive assessment of overall life satisfaction and functioning. Higher scores indicate a better quality of life.

  From enrollment to the end of the 6-week training period

• Revised Community Participation Questionnaire

  The Revised Community Participation Questionnaire is used to assess individuals' level of participation in social, community, and daily life activities. It evaluates the frequency and diversity of participation, as well as perceived barriers and facilitators to engagement. Higher scores indicate a greater level of participation.

  From enrollment to the end of the 6-week training period

• Depression Anxiety Stress Scale

  The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale is a self-report instrument designed to measure negative emotional states across three dimensions: depression, anxiety, and stress. It consists of multiple items rated on a Likert scale, providing separate subscale scores for each domain. Higher scores indicate greater levels of depression, anxiety, and stress (i.e., more severe negative emotional states).

  From enrollment to the end of the 6-week training period

• Physical Activity Barriers Scale

  The Physical Activity Barriers Scale assesses perceived obstacles that limit individuals' participation in physical activity. These barriers may include physical, psychological, environmental, and social factors that influence engagement in exercise. Higher scores indicate greater perceived barriers to physical activity.

  From enrollment to the end of the 6-week training period

• Psychological Well-Being Scale for Older Adults

  This scale measures the psychological well-being of older individuals, including dimensions such as autonomy, purpose in life, emotional balance, and personal growth. It provides insight into the subjective mental health status of elderly populations. Higher scores indicate better psychological well-being.

  From enrollment to the end of the 6-week training period

• Social Health Scale for Older Adults

  The Social Health Scale for Older Adults evaluates social functioning, including interpersonal relationships, social roles, social support, and community integration. It reflects the social dimension of health and well-being in later life. Higher scores indicate better social health and functioning.

  From enrollment to the end of the 6-week training period

Study Arms (3)

Refresher Group Training

EXPERIMENTAL

Other: Social Work-Supported Physiotherapy

Nursing Home Training

EXPERIMENTAL

Other: Social Work-Supported Physiotherapy

Control Group

NO INTERVENTION

Interventions

Social Work-Supported Physiotherapy OTHER

Refresher University Group A social work-supported physiotherapy intervention will be implemented face-to-face for six weeks by physiotherapists and social workers at Munzur University's 60+ Refresher University.

Nursing Home Training; Refresher Group Training

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 60 Years - 80 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Being between 60 and 80 years of age
• Being informed about the study and providing written informed consent for voluntary participation
• Not having any physical, cognitive, or psychological limitations that would prevent participation in the physiotherapy interventions and assessments

You may not qualify if:

• Having uncontrolled cardiovascular, neurological, psychiatric, or orthopedic conditions that may medically contraindicate participation in the physiotherapy intervention
• Having cognitive, psychological, or mental impairments that would prevent the reliable administration of the assessments
• Having undergone a major surgical procedure within the last 6 months that could affect the research process

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Munzur University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Tunceli

Tunceli, Tunceli, 62000, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

Central Study Contacts

Hakan C Assist Prof. Dr., Phd

CONTACT

+905500758127; shuhakan.coskun@hotmail.com

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: NON RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: PARTICIPANT
• Masking Details: Individuals are not aware of the content and benefits of the treatment to be implemented.
• Purpose: SUPPORTIVE CARE
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Assist Prof. Dr.

Model Details: Non-randomised controlled study

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: April 1, 2026
• First Posted: April 13, 2026
• Study Start: April 10, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): June 1, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): July 10, 2026
• Last Updated: April 13, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-04

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)