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NCT Number: NCT07550335

Group Reading and Oral Exercise Program for Older Adults

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.

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Key information

Conditions

Oral Frailty Atrophy Behavior Behavioral Symptoms Depression Muscular Atrophy Nervous System Diseases Neurologic Manifestations Neuromuscular Manifestations Pathological Conditions, Anatomical Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Physical Function Decline Sarcopenia Signs and Symptoms

Age range

55 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • 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.

Exclusion criteria

  • 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.

Treatment and study plan

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.

Primary outcomes

  1. Depressive Symptoms

    Time frame: 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 outcomes

  1. Oral Frailty

    Time frame: 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.

  2. Sarcopenia Risk

    Time frame: 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

  3. Grit

    Time frame: 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.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Mackay Memorial Hospital

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effects of a Focus Group-Based Bibliotherapy Intervention Combined With Oral Exercises on Oral Frailty, Physical Function, Grit, and Depression in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2027
First posted
Apr 24, 2026
Registry last updated
Apr 24, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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