Digital acupoint therapy plus education and exercise for sarcopenia and sleep in adults
Official title: Exploration on the Relationship Between Distinct Sarcopenia, Traditional Chinese Medicine Body Constitution, and Circadian Rhythm Patterns of Older Adults and Impact of Acupoint-stimulated Interventions
Run by Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare · NCT07715721 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial tests whether a remote program combining traditional Chinese medicine acupoint stimulation, health education, and exercise improves sarcopenia and sleep problems in adults and older adults.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 20 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 360 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Tainan) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 19, 2023 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | July 27, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07715721 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 20 and older, including seniors (65+), with sarcopenia or sleep disturbances (PSQI ≥ 5) who can consent and participate in remote education and exercise.
✕Probably not a fit
Some participants may not see significant improvements in sarcopenia or sleep despite the intervention.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
The study investigates a digital, multi-component intervention that uses acupoint-stimulated activities, health education, and the Vivifrail exercise program to address sarcopenia and sleep disturbances. It includes a cross-sectional assessment phase and a broader implementation phase across two age groups, enrolling at least 360 participants at a health ministry hospital in Tainan. Researchers will examine how body constitution according to TCM relates to sarcopenia and sleep conditions and explore adding a streamlined Body Constitution Questionnaire to anti-frailty screenings. The study brings together traditional Chinese medicine, geriatrics, community medicine, and epidemiology to form an evidence-based, TCM-integrated intervention model.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants may experience improvements in muscle strength, physical performance, and sleep quality.
How similar studies have gone: Evidence from similar integrative approaches in geriatrics suggests potential benefits, but this study explores a novel combination and remote delivery.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Participants must be able to understand and sign the informed consent form. * For the geriatric cohorts: Individuals aged 65 and above. * For the adult cohort: Individuals aged between 20 and 64. * For the sleep disturbance cohorts: Presenting with a Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score of 5 or higher. * For the sarcopenia cohort: Evaluated and diagnosed with sarcopenia according to standard geriatric metrics. Exclusion Criteria: * Individuals with severe cognitive impairment, advanced dementia, or inability to communicate and follow instructions. * Individuals with unstable medical conditions, acute cardiovascular events, or severe systemic diseases that preclude safe participation in exercise programs. * Individuals with open wounds, active infections, or fractures at the targeted acupoint areas. * Any other conditions that, in the judgment of the investigator, would jeopardize candidate safety or compliance.
Where it's running
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Ministry of Health and Welfare Tainan Hospital
Tainan, Taiwan Recruiting
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.