Group Reading and Oral Exercise Program for Older Adults

NCT07550335 | Not Yet Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: 26MMHIS046e
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 60
• Locations: 0 countries
• Sites: N/A

Brief Summary

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.

Conditions

Oral Frailty; Depression; Physical Function Decline; Sarcopenia

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Depressive Symptoms

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

  At baseline and immediately after the 6-week intervention period

Secondary Outcomes (3)

• Oral Frailty

  At baseline and immediately after the 6-week intervention period

• Sarcopenia Risk

  At baseline and immediately after the 6-week intervention period

• Grit

  At baseline and immediately after the 6-week intervention period

Study Arms (2)

Intervention Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Behavioral: Reading and Oral Exercise Program

Control Group

NO INTERVENTION

Interventions

Reading and Oral Exercise Program BEHAVIORAL

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.

Intervention Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 55 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Community-dwelling adults aged 55 years and older.
• Able to communicate in Mandarin or Taiwanese and capable of understanding study instructions and participating in group discussions.
• Able to complete study questionnaires independently or with assistance from research staff.

You may not qualify if:

• Individuals with severe cognitive impairment that precludes understanding study procedures or participation in group discussions.
• 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.
• Individuals who have participated in similar psychological or bibliotherapy-based interventions within the past 3 months.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Mackay Memorial Hospital: lead

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Depression; Sarcopenia

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Behavioral Symptoms; Behavior; Muscular Atrophy; Neuromuscular Manifestations; Neurologic Manifestations; Nervous System Diseases; Atrophy; Pathological Conditions, Anatomical; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms; Signs and Symptoms

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: PREVENTION
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: April 19, 2026
• First Posted: April 24, 2026
• Study Start: April 23, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): December 31, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): December 31, 2027
• Last Updated: April 24, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-04