Evaluating Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupoint Massage and Exercise for Sarcopenia and Sleep Disturbances in Adults and Older Adults

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying the effects of combining traditional Chinese medicine TCM acupoint-stimulated interventions, health education, and exercise to improve sarcopenia and sleep disturbances in adults and older adults. The study aims to explore links between sarcopenia, sleep quality, and TCM body constitution, and to assess the use of a simplified Body Constitution Questionnaire BCQ in anti-frailty screening. This project involves collaboration among experts in TCM, geriatric medicine, and community health, with at least 360 participants recruited in two phases. The study has two main phases. The first phase is a cross-sectional assessment of 300 older adults aged 65 and above, using tools like 7-day actigraphy, tongue and pulse diagnosis, BCQ, and geriatric functional scales, with some participants referred for overnight polysomnography. The second phase involves longitudinal trials in three cohorts older adults with sarcopenia receiving a 3-month Vivifrail exercise program with or without acupoint massage, and adults with sleep disturbances undergoing a 2-week digital course on sleep hygiene education with or without self-acupoint massage. Follow-ups and compliance monitoring occur at specific intervals in both phases. Participants will undergo various assessments including sleep quality measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index PSQI, physical function tests, and TCM evaluations. Data collection includes baseline, periodic follow-ups, and tracking visits up to four months. Researchers monitor adherence to interventions and evaluate changes in sleep and sarcopenia-related outcomes. The total study duration extends through December 2027, with safety and feasibility carefully observed throughout.

Exploration on the Relationship Between Distinct Sarcopenia, Traditional Chinese Medicine Body Constitution, and Circadian Rhythm Patterns of Older Adults and Impact of Acupoint-stimulated Interventions