Clinical Research Directory

Existential and Solution-Focused Group Intervention for Older Adults

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of an integrated existential and solution-focused group intervention enriched with narrative therapy techniques in promoting active aging among older adults. The intervention was developed to address psychosocial limitations associated with aging, including social isolation, role loss, ageism, and existential concerns. The study employed an embedded mixed-methods randomized controlled design. Older adults aged 65 years and over who attended a primary healthcare mental health unit in a city, Türkiye, were randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group. Participants in the intervention group received a structured 10-session group program combining existential therapy, solution-focused approaches, and narrative therapy techniques. Quantitative data were collected using the World Health Organization Quality of Life-Old Module (WHOQOL-OLD) and the Active Aging Scale (AAS) at baseline, post-intervention, and three-month follow-up. Qualitative data were obtained through session transcripts and field notes to explore participants' experiences and the intervention process.

Effects of Exergame and Gross Motor-Cognitive Training in Older Adults: An RCT

Background: Aging leads to a progressive decline in gross-motor skills and executive functions, significantly increasing fall risks. While exergaming and motor-cognitive training are effective countermeasures, literature lacks direct comparisons and data on long-term retention. Purpose:This study compares the effects of an exergaming intervention against a structured gross motor-cognitive training program in older adults, with both protocols lasting 6 weeks. It evaluates the short- and medium-term (20-week follow-up) maintenance of physical and cognitive benefits, while introducing a novel composite gross-motor index. Methods \& Question: The study addresses which intervention is more effective at improving gross-motor coordination and executive functions, and whether these adaptations persist over time.

Physical Activity Promoting Active Aging

This project aims to explore the effects and underlying mechanisms of physical activity in promoting active aging among older adults. The researchers conducted two rounds of progressive randomized controlled intervention trials to verify the effects and mechanisms of a multimodal physical activity intervention on active aging from two dimensions: intervention structure and participation mode. In Study 1, with a 12-week intervention period, participants were randomly assigned to three groups: a Tai Chi exercise group, a multimodal exercise group, and a daily activity control group. By comparing between-group differences, the study evaluated the effects of different exercise modalities on physical function and subjective active aging. In Study 2, also with a 12-week intervention period, participants were randomly assigned to two multimodal exercise groups differing in participation mode: an in-person group-based format versus an online individual format. This study examined the moderating effects of different participation modes on both objective and subjective active aging outcomes, while keeping the multimodal physical activity intervention content identical.