Smart tech nutrition and exercise program for older adults at risk of sarcopenia
The Effectiveness of Smart Technology Interventions Combining Nutrition and Exercise for Older Adults at Risk of Sarcopenia
This 12-week program tests whether a Line Bot-based exercise and nutrition support can help adults aged 65 and older at risk of sarcopenia improve muscle strength, physical performance, and self-management.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 65 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hualien City) |
| Trial ID | NCT07230210 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized controlled trial will enroll 60 community-dwelling adults aged 65 and older who are at risk of sarcopenia and randomize them 1:1 to a 12-week Line Bot-delivered intervention or to usual clinic-based care. The intervention includes three progressive exercise videos (resistance, aerobic, balance), a nutrition education video focused on adequate protein intake, daily reminders, a protein calculator, and a point-based logging system to promote adherence. Outcomes—muscle mass, handgrip strength, walking speed, quality of life, and self-management ability—are measured at baseline, week 8, and week 12. Group differences in change over time will be compared to see if the technology-supported program produces greater improvements than standard outpatient care.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are community-dwelling adults aged 65 or older who score ≥11 on the SARC-CalF, have no major limb functional impairments, and own and can operate a smartphone with LINE.
Not a fit: Patients who require a wheelchair, walker, or cane, have significant limb impairment, an implanted cardiac pacemaker, or are already participating in other physical training or nutrition programs are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could increase muscle mass and strength, improve mobility and quality of life, and help older adults better manage their nutrition and exercise at home.
How similar studies have performed: Previous technology-assisted exercise and nutrition programs have shown modest improvements in physical activity and some sarcopenia-related measures, but rigorous long-term home-based RCT evidence is still limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria Score ≥ 11 on the SARC-CalF questionnaire, indicating risk of sarcopenia. No evident functional impairment in the limbs and able to complete handgrip strength, walking speed, and muscle mass assessments. Possesses basic reading, writing, and calculation abilities sufficient to understand study-related materials and complete informed consent and daily logs. Owns a smartphone and has used it for at least one year, with basic operational ability (e.g., sending and receiving LINE messages, scanning QR codes). Exclusion Criteria Self-reported functional impairment in any limb. Requires assistance from a wheelchair, walker, or cane for ambulation. Has an implanted cardiac pacemaker. Currently participating in, or planning to participate in, other physical training courses or nutrition programs during the study period.
Where this trial is running
Hualien City
- BuddhistTCGH — Hualien City, Taiwan (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Mei Lan Hsiao, RN
- Email: xnancye@gmail.com
- Phone: +886-978130926
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.