Depression, Oral Frailty, Physical Function Decline, Sarcopenia
Conditions
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.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALReading and Oral Exercise Program
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.
Sponsors
Mackay Memorial Hospital
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
55 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes
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.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Depressive Symptoms | At baseline and immediately after the 6-week intervention period | Depressive symptoms measured using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), with higher scores indicating more severe depressive symptoms. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Oral Frailty | At baseline and immediately after the 6-week intervention period | Oral frailty assessed using the Oral Frailty Index, with higher scores indicating greater oral frailty. |
| Sarcopenia Risk | At baseline and immediately after the 6-week intervention period | Sarcopenia risk assessed using the SARC-F questionnaire, with higher scores indicating greater risk of sarcopenia |
| Grit | At baseline and immediately after the 6-week intervention period | Grit assessed using the Grit Scale, with higher scores indicating greater perseverance and consistency of interest. |
Outcome results
None listed