Finger food for elderly residents in care settings
L'Alimentation Manger-mains, le Plaisir au Bout Des Doigts : Etude Pilote randomisée, en Ouvert et en Groupes parallèles
This study tests if giving finger foods to elderly residents in care facilities can help them eat better and enjoy their meals more.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 75 Years to 120 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Tours Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Château-Renault and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05389098 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This pilot study evaluates the feasibility of providing finger foods to elderly residents in care facilities to improve their nutritional intake and meal satisfaction. The intervention allows residents to eat using their hands, which may enhance their independence and enjoyment of meals. The study focuses on individuals over 75 years old who are experiencing undernutrition or loss of autonomy. Participants will be compared to a control group receiving standard meal options.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are elderly individuals over 75 years old living in care facilities who have experienced significant weight loss or have confirmed sarcopenia.
Not a fit: Patients who are not experiencing undernutrition or do not meet the eligibility criteria for weight loss or sarcopenia may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve the nutritional status and quality of life for elderly residents in care settings.
How similar studies have performed: While similar approaches to improving meal satisfaction and nutrition in elderly populations have been explored, this specific method of finger food is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
* Male or female residents over 75 years old living in a Accommodation facility for dependent elderly people for at least 3 months
* Presenting at least one of the following 3 criteria:
* Unintentional weight loss ≥ 5% in 1 month
* Involuntary weight loss ≥ 10% in 6 months or compared to the usual weight or compared to the weight at entry to the EHPAD
* Confirmed sarcopenia:
* Male (at least one of the 2 criteria):
* Dynamometer (kg): \< 27 AND calf circumference (cm): \< 31
* Impedancemetry: appendicular muscle mass index \< 20 kg OR appendicular muscle mass index \< 7 kg/m²
* Woman (at least one of the 2 criteria):
* Dynamometer (kg): \< 16 AND calf circumference (cm): \< 31
* Impedancemetry: appendicular muscle mass index \< 15 kg OR appendicular muscle mass index \< 5.5 kg/m²
* Loss of autonomy according to the Tully scale \< 12/18 with a score of 2 or 3 on the item "Able to bite, chew, swallow without making false routes"
* Person having given free, informed and express consent
* Person having an affiliation to a social security scheme
Exclusion Criteria:
* Protected person: safeguard of justice
* Swallowing disorder having a contra-indication to the texture of hand-eating meals.
* Lack of motor skills in both hands
* Specific diet: pleasure diet, salt-free, sugar-free, fiber-free, artificial nutrition
* Wearer of a pacemaker
Where this trial is running
Château-Renault and 1 other locations
- EHPAD " Val de Brenne " Site : Auzouer en Touraine — Château-Renault, France (Not_yet_recruiting)
- EHPAD L'ERMITAGE-CHU de TOURS — Tours, France (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Laura COUTON — CHU Tours
- Study coordinator: Laura COUTON
- Email: L.COUTON@chu-tours.fr
- Phone: +33247478568
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.