Finger food for elderly residents in care settings

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

• EHPAD L'ERMITAGE-CHU de TOURS
  Tours, France Recruiting
• EHPAD " Val de Brenne " Site : Auzouer en Touraine
  Château-Renault, France Not yet recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Laura COUTON — CHU Tours
• Study coordinator: Laura COUTON
• Email: L.COUTON@chu-tours.fr
• Phone: +33247478568

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.