Mindfulness-based exercise program for older adults with sarcopenia

The Utility of MIndfulness-based Physical Exercise Program (MIPE Program) for Community-dwelling Older People With Sarcopenia: a Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional The Hong Kong Polytechnic University · NCT05982067

This study is testing a mindfulness-based exercise program to see if it can help older adults with sarcopenia stick to their workouts and feel better both physically and mentally.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages60 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorThe Hong Kong Polytechnic University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Suzhou, Jiangsu)
Trial IDNCT05982067 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a mindfulness-based physical exercise (MIPE) program for community-dwelling older adults diagnosed with sarcopenia. The study will assess whether the MIPE intervention can improve adherence to physical exercise, alleviate symptoms of sarcopenia, and enhance psychological well-being. Participants aged 60 and older will be randomized into an intervention group receiving the MIPE program and a control group. The intervention is designed based on the PRIME theory of motivation, focusing on increasing self-awareness and motivation for physical activity.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are community-dwelling individuals aged 60 years or older who have been diagnosed with sarcopenia.

Not a fit: Patients who are regularly engaging in physical exercise or have severe health conditions that contraindicate exercise may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve physical function and quality of life for older adults suffering from sarcopenia.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research specifically on mindfulness-based interventions for sarcopenia, similar approaches have shown promise in enhancing physical activity adherence in older populations.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Community-dwelling people aged 60 years or older
2. Diagnosed with sarcopenia by the criteria of the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS):

   1. decreased muscle strength: handgrip strength of males \< 28 kg; handgrip strength of females \< 18 kg;
   2. or decreased physical performance: the time of 5-time chair stand test ≥12 s;
   3. or decreased muscle mass: SMI of males is \< 7.0 kg/m2; SMI of females is \< 5.7 kg/m2
3. Able to communicate and written and understand the instruction

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Been hospitalized for more than 5 days in the preceding 3 months
2. Unable to have body composition test, such as having heart pacemaker, vascular stent, steel plates and nails in the body
3. Contraindications to exercise, such as severe musculoskeletal disorders, severe cardiovascular diseases or spinal nerve injury
4. Having regular exercise: 150-minute moderate-intensity activity or 75-minute vigorous-intensity activity per week, with each session lasting at least 10 min in the past 3 months based on self-reported time and a self-perceived intensity via Borg Scale
5. Practicing mindfulness/yoga for \>45 min a week in the 6 months prior to recruitment

Where this trial is running

Suzhou, Jiangsu

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 Sarcopenia
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.