CompletedNot Applicable

Multimodal Intervention for Older Adults After an Earthquake

Turkey (Türkiye)60 participantsStarted 2024-09-15

Plain-language summary

This randomized controlled study was conducted among older adults (≥65 years) living in temporary container housing in Kahramanmaraş after the February 2023 earthquakes. A total of 60 participants meeting inclusion criteria were recruited and randomized into two groups: an intervention group (n=30) and a control group (n=30). Randomization was performed using a sealed envelope method following minimization based on frailty scores (Edmonton Frailty Scale ≥4). The intervention group received a 12-week health management program designed with a holistic approach, addressing physical, mental, and nutritional health needs. Individualized exercise prescriptions (balance, strength, range of motion, posture correction), lifestyle counseling, nutrition education, and medication use training were provided under professional supervision. The control group received no active intervention and only underwent assessments at baseline and at the end of the study. Measurements were performed at baseline and after 12 weeks. Primary assessments included frailty status (Edmonton Frailty Scale), balance and mobility (Berg Balance Scale, Timed Up and Go Test, Functional Reach Test, Gyko postural sway analysis), physical activity level (PASE questionnaire), physical performance (Short Physical Performance Battery), muscle strength (hand dynamometer, pinch meter, digital force measurement), posture (PostureScreen app), and nutritional status (Mini Nutritional Assessment, anthropometric measures). Cognitive and mental health were evaluated using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Geriatric Anxiety Scale. Quality of life was assessed with the Nottingham Health Profile. The study aims to determine whether a structured, holistic health management plan can improve balance, physical activity, and overall health outcomes compared with control in older adults living in post-disaster temporary housing. Findings are expected to inform rehabilitation and preventive health strategies for vulnerable elderly populations in disaster settings.

Who can participate

Age range

65 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Living in a container city, * Scoring 4 or below on the vulnerability scale, * Being an earthquake victim, * Being able to understand verbal commands and being over 65 years of age, * Being able to speak and understand Turkish, * Volunteering to participate in the research. Exclusion Criteria: * Not being an earthquake victim, * Not living in a container, * Being under 65 years of age, * Not knowing or understanding Turkish, * Not wanting to participate in the study, * Not being able to understand verbal commands, * Having received any psychological diagnosis, * Having undergone any surgery within the last 6 months, * Scoring 5 or above on the frailty scale.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Daily Living and Instrumental Activities Scale

Timeframe: 1.week and 12.week intervention

Physical Activity Scale For The Elderly (PASE)

Timeframe: 1.week and 12.week intervention

Posture Screen mobile app

Timeframe: 1.week and 12.week intervention

The Short Physical Performance Battery

Timeframe: 1.week and 12.week intervention

Muscle Strength Measurement

Timeframe: 1.week and 12.week intervention

Grip strength measurement

Timeframe: 1.week and 12.week intervention

Timed Up and Go Test (TWAT)

Timeframe: 1.week and 12.week intervention

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07273253

SponsorKahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2025-05-15

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Frailty at Older Adults trials

Plain-language summary

Who can participate

Age range

65 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

What they're measuring

Daily Living and Instrumental Activities Scale

Timeframe: 1.week and 12.week intervention

Physical Activity Scale For The Elderly (PASE)

Timeframe: 1.week and 12.week intervention

Posture Screen mobile app

Timeframe: 1.week and 12.week intervention

The Short Physical Performance Battery

Timeframe: 1.week and 12.week intervention

Muscle Strength Measurement

Timeframe: 1.week and 12.week intervention

Grip strength measurement

Timeframe: 1.week and 12.week intervention

Timed Up and Go Test (TWAT)

Timeframe: 1.week and 12.week intervention