Drumming intervention for older adults with cognitive frailty

Smart Taiko-Drum Playing for Older Adults With Cognitive Frailty for Improving Cognitive and Physical Functions: A Randomized Controlled Feasibility Study

Not applicable Interventional The Hong Kong Polytechnic University · NCT06115889

This study is testing if a drumming program can help older adults with cognitive frailty improve their thinking, physical health, and overall well-being.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages60 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorThe Hong Kong Polytechnic University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Hong Kong)
Trial IDNCT06115889 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This randomized controlled feasibility trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a Smart Taiko Drum-playing intervention designed for older adults experiencing cognitive frailty. Participants will engage in drumming sessions three times a week for 16 weeks, focusing on cognitive-motor dual-task training while playing to their preferred music genres. The study will assess various health outcomes, including cognitive and physical functions, mental health, and frailty status, at multiple time points throughout the intervention. A waitlist-control group will receive usual care to compare the effects of the intervention.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are community-dwelling older adults with cognitive frailty who can live independently or with partial assistance.

Not a fit: Patients with significant sensory or motor impairments or those with neurological or psychiatric conditions may not benefit from this intervention.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could enhance cognitive and physical functions in older adults, potentially improving their overall quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of using Smart Taiko Drumming is novel, similar cognitive-motor training interventions have shown promise in improving cognitive and physical functions in older adults.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* with cognitive frailty
* without a diagnosis of a neurological or psychiatric condition that could affect cognitive function
* live independently or with partial assistance
* with pre-frailty

Exclusion Criteria:

* with a significant sensory or motor impairment that would preclude participation in the intervention
* are unable to understand or follow instructions due to language or hearing impairment
* have already been in another cognitive or physical intervention programme within the past three months
* are taking medications that could significantly affect cognitive or physical functions
* with any medical condition or treatment that would contraindicate participation in the study.

Where this trial is running

Hong Kong

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Cognitive ImpairmentFrailtyCognitive frailtyMotor-Cognitive TrainingDrumming
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.