Actively Recruiting

Phase Not Applicable
Age: 18Years +
All Genders
ID06584110

Effects of Buddy-Up Dyadic Physical Activity Program on Health Outcomes and Social Dynamic of Persons With Dementia and Family Caregivers: A Mixed Method Randomized Controlled Trial

Led by The University of Hong Kong · Updated on 2026-04-06

236

Participants Needed

1

Research Sites

25 weeks

Total Duration

On this page

AI-Summary

What this Trial Is About

Dementia care presents significant challenges, with a rising global cost expected to increase further. This research focuses on the dynamic relationship between persons with dementia (PwD) and their family caregivers, which affects both social interactions and mental health. The study evaluates how a 16-week enhanced Buddy-Up Dyadic Physical Activity (BUDPA) program may influence the health and relationship dynamics of these care dyads, aiming to improve cognitive function and mood for both parties. The study compares the enhanced BUDPA program to usual care in a randomized controlled trial across eight elderly community centers. The BUDPA program is structured into three phases over 16 weeks: a conditioning phase introducing exercises, a consolidating phase with group exercise sessions followed by debriefing and goal-setting, and a habituating phase supporting integration of partner exercises into daily life with video call support. The control group receives usual dementia or caregiver support services with delayed access to the program. Participants will be assessed at baseline, immediately after the 16-week program, and at 3 and 6 months after completion. Evaluations include cognitive tests for PwD, mood assessments for caregivers, quality of life, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and the quality of the dyadic relationship. Participants record self-practice in logbooks, and video call meetings provide additional support. Outcomes will help understand the program's impact on cognitive, emotional, and relational health over time.

CONDITIONS

Brief Title

Buddy-Up Dyadic Physical Activity Program for Persons With Dementia and Family Caregivers

Who Can Participate

Age: 18Years +
All Genders

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible

You may qualify if you...

  • Adults aged 18 years or older
  • Confirmed diagnosis of dementia with HK-MoCA score between 8 and 19 indicating mild to early moderate dementia
  • Caregivers living with the person with dementia
  • Caregivers self-identifying as the primary family caregiver
  • Caregivers providing care for at least 4 hours per day
  • Caregivers have a smartphone capable of FaceTime
Not Eligible

You will not qualify if you...

  • Engaging in 60 minutes or more of moderate or vigorous exercise weekly in the past six months
  • Having acute muscular-skeletal problems
  • Having cerebro-cardio-respiratory diseases or conditions that prevent exercise training

AI-Screening

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Your Study Journey

Screening

Duration - 2 to 4 weeks

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.

1 screening and enrollment visit

Treatment

Duration - 16 weeks

Participants take part in the 16-week Buddy-Up Dyadic Physical Activity (BUDPA) program, which includes three phases: conditioning (weeks 1-4), consolidating (weeks 5-12), and habituating (weeks 13-16). The program involves group training, self-practice recorded in a logbook, and video call support meetings during the habituating phase.

Group training sessions weekly with video call meetings in weeks 13 and 15

Follow-up

Duration - 26 weeks

Participants are assessed at multiple time points after the treatment to monitor cognitive function, mood, dyadic dynamics, and quality of life up to 6 months post-treatment.

Assessments at immediately post-treatment (week 16), 3 months (week 29), and 6 months (week 42)

Trial Site Locations

Total: 1 location

1

The University of Hong Kong

Hong Kong, Hong Kong

Actively Recruiting

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Research Team

S

SAU FUNG DORIS YU, PhD

How is the study designed?

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Masking

SINGLE

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Model

PARALLEL

Primary Purpose

TREATMENT

Number of Arms

2

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Effects of Physical Activity Programs on Health Outcomes of Family Caregivers of Older Adults with Chronic Diseases: A Systematic Review.

Dawon Baik, Jiyoun Song, Aluem Tark...

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34261027