Improving Sports and Recreation Services in Mashhad for Elderly and Intergenerational Interaction (ESPIRE-M)

NCT ID: NCT06860126

Last Updated: 2025-03-05

Study Results

Results pending

The study team has not published outcome measurements, participant flow, or safety data for this trial yet. Check back later for updates.

Basic Information

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Recruitment Status

COMPLETED

Clinical Phase

NA

Total Enrollment

384 participants

Study Classification

INTERVENTIONAL

Study Start Date

2018-09-05

Study Completion Date

2019-02-12

Brief Summary

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This interventional study aims to design strategies to improve service quality and productivity in recreational sports facilities in Mashhad Municipality, focusing on creating an age-friendly city. The research consists of two parts: fieldwork and an experimental section.

Field Section:

1. Assess seniors' perceptions of services using the SERVQUAL questionnaire and other tools.
2. Conduct a SWOT analysis to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats related to elderly sports participation.

Experimental Section:

Evaluate the impact of intergenerational sports activities on elderly participants (aged 60+). Participants were paired with younger individuals and randomly allocated to five groups, including a control group.

Group Tasks:

* Control Group: 78 seniors continued daily routines without structured activities.
* Experimental Groups:

1. Non-sport intergenerational interaction sessions (90 minutes, 3x/week).
2. Intergenerational yoga sessions (90 minutes, 3x/week).
3. Light aerobic exercises + group discussions (90 minutes, 3x/week).
4. Non-exercise intergenerational sessions in a park (90 minutes, 3x/week).
5. Non-exercise intergenerational sessions in a nursing home (90 minutes, 3x/week).

Field Study Sample:
* 384 customers of Mashhad Municipality sports facilities (192 women, 192 men).

Key Notes:

* Elderly participants were selected through cluster sampling; younger participants were purposively sampled from Mashhad's Islamic Azad University.
* Gender balance (50% women, 50% men) was maintained in all groups.

Main Questions:

1. How do service quality factors influence customers of Mashhad Municipality sports facilities?
2. Do intergenerational programs improve quality of life, health, and well-being for seniors?
3. What are the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats for elderly sports participation?
4. What strategies can enhance elderly participation in sports?

Detailed Description

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1\. Data Collection Instruments

The following questionnaires will be utilized to achieve the research objectives:

1. Demographic Characteristics Questionnaire: Includes variables such as age, gender, marital status, income, education level, occupation, and number of children.
2. Socio-economic Status Questionnaire: Assesses various dimensions of socio-economic status.
3. World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire: Measures quality of life based on established criteria.
4. Elderly Depression Questionnaire: Assesses depression levels among elderly participants.
5. General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28): A self-administered tool examining overall health, focusing on non-psychotic disorders.
6. Parent-Child Relationship Scale: Evaluates the dynamics of relationships between parents and their children.
7. Student Depression Questionnaire: Measures depression levels among university students.
8. Service Quality Questionnaire: Assesses the quality of services provided.
9. Facility Checklist and Productivity Index Checklist: Tools for evaluating facility conditions and efficiency.
10. World Health Organization Age-Friendly City Criteria Questionnaire: Assesses compliance with age-friendly city standards.

2\. Study Population and Sample Selection

The study population includes two groups:

* Elderly Participants: Individuals aged 60 years and older residing in Mashhad. Recruitment will occur through public announcements and notices in locations such as parks and mosques, aiming to enroll 150 elderly individuals using purposive and convenient sampling.
* Young Participants: Students aged 20 to 24 years enrolled at Islamic Azad University. A total of 100 students (50 male, 50 female) will be recruited through public announcements and notices posted in all faculties during the academic year 2017-2018.

After collecting demographic data and completing questionnaires, elderly participants will be randomly assigned to three groups: two experimental groups and one control group. The sample size is based on experimental research designs, with a larger number selected to enhance generalizability and reduce dropout rates.

3\. Limitations of the Study

* Lack of accurate data on the number of active elderly individuals and their participation levels in regular sports activities.
* Cultural barriers limiting women's participation in community activities.
* Limited access to organizations specializing in elderly issues, restricting the ability to obtain a representative sample.

4\. Ethical Considerations
* Participants will be informed about the study's objectives and methodology before participation.
* Informed consent will be obtained from all participants.
* Confidentiality of personal information will be maintained.
* Private interpretations of results will be offered to interested individuals.
* No financial burden will be imposed on participants.
* The study will comply with religious and cultural standards relevant to participants and the broader community.

Conditions

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Aged Quality of Life Mental Health

Study Design

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Allocation Method

RANDOMIZED

Intervention Model

PARALLEL

This study employs a Parallel Group interventional study model within a semi-experimental design framework. The methodology consists of two descriptive-correlational studies and a pre-test/post-test design with a control group.

Research Design Participants were randomly assigned to six distinct groups: five experimental groups focused on different activities (intergenerational interaction, yoga exercises, exercise and interaction, park activities, and nursing home interaction) and one control group that maintained regular daily activities. This design allows for direct comparison of outcomes across groups and effectively assesses the interventions' relative effectiveness.

Study Population and Sample Selection The study targeted elderly individuals aged 60 years and older, totaling 22,481, along with young participants aged 20 to 24 from Islamic Azad University. A cluster sampling method was employed to recruit 180 elderly participants, evenly divided by gender, along with 150 young
Primary Study Purpose

PREVENTION

Blinding Strategy

DOUBLE

Participants Outcome Assessors
In addition to the roles specified above (Participant and Outcomes Assessor), the following parties are also masked in this clinical trial:

1. Data Analysts: Individuals analyzing the trial data to prevent bias in the interpretation of results.
2. Monitoring Entities: Independent monitors overseeing the trial, who are kept unaware of the treatment allocations to ensure objectivity in their assessments.

This masking strategy helps maintain the integrity of the trial and reduces the risk of bias impacting the outcomes.

Study Groups

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Experimental Group 1

* Tasks: Engage in 90-minute non-sport intergenerational interaction sessions, three times weekly for three months, in a controlled indoor environment. Activities include paired interactions and group discussions.
* Participants: 60 seniors (30 women, 30 men) and 60 younger individuals (30 women, 30 men, average age 21.45 ± 0.35 years).

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

Intergenerational Activity Program: This indicates a program that involves activities designed for interaction between older adults and younger participants

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

Engage in 90-minute intergenerational interaction sessions, three times a week for three months, in a controlled indoor environment.

* Spend the first 45 minutes actively interacting with a younger participant in pairs, collaborating on activities of interest to the senior.
* Participate in group activities such as book reading, puzzles, joke-telling, and sharing experiences for the remaining 45 minutes.
* Attend 36 sessions held on odd days in the main hall of the Neshat Center.
* Gender Representation:
* 60 participants (30 women and 30 men) aged 60 and above, selected through stratified random sampling from Mashhad's elderly population.
* 60 younger participants (30 women and 30 men) with an average age of 21.45 ± 0.35 years, selected through purposive sampling from Mashhad's Islamic Azad University.

Experimental Group 2

* Tasks: Participate in 90-minute intergenerational yoga sessions, three times weekly for three months, in a gym setting. Sessions include warm-up, yoga exercises (asanas and pranayama), and relaxation.
* Participants: 60 seniors (30 women, 30 men) and 60 younger individuals (30 women, 30 men).

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

Yoga and Mindfulness Sessions

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

Participate in 90-minute intergenerational yoga sessions, three times a week for three months, in a gym setting.

* Perform modified yoga exercises suitable for seniors, including:
* 20 minutes of warm-up with stretching and joint rotations.
* 50 minutes of main exercises (asanas and pranayama).
* 20 minutes of relaxation and meditation (Shavasana).
* Attend sessions on odd days at 9 AM in the Neshat Center yoga hall.
* Gender Representation:
* 60 participants (30 women and 30 men) aged 60 and above, selected through stratified random sampling from Mashhad's elderly population.
* 60 younger participants (30 women and 30 men) with an average age of 21.45 ± 0.35 years, selected through purposive sampling from Mashhad's Islamic Azad University.

Experimental Group 3

* Tasks: Engage in 60-minute light aerobic exercises in a park, followed by 30-minute group discussions, three times weekly for three months.
* Participants: 60 seniors (30 women, 30 men) and 60 younger individuals (30 women, 30 men).

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

Physical Exercise and Storytelling

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

Engage in 60-minute light aerobic exercises, three times a week for three months, in a park setting.

* Follow warm-up and aerobic exercises led by a senior fitness instructor.
* Spend 30 minutes in a friendly group discussion, sharing experiences and memories with younger participants.
* Attend sessions on even days at 9 AM in Mashhad's Mellat Park.
* Gender Representation:
* 60 participants (30 women and 30 men) aged 60 and above, selected through stratified random sampling from Mashhad's elderly population.
* 60 younger participants (30 women and 30 men) with an average age of 21.45 ± 0.35 years, selected through purposive sampling from Mashhad's Islamic Azad University.

Experimental Group 4

* Tasks: Participate in 90-minute non-exercise intergenerational interaction sessions in a park, focusing on group discussions and storytelling.
* Participants: 60 seniors (30 women, 30 men) and 60 younger individuals (30 women, 30 men).

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

Outdoor Interaction Games

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

Participate in 90-minute intergenerational interaction sessions, three times a week for three months, in a park setting.

* Engage in non-exercise activities such as group discussions, storytelling, and sharing experiences with younger participants.
* Attend sessions on even days at 9 AM in Mashhad's Mellat Park.
* Gender Representation:
* 60 participants (30 women and 30 men) aged 60 and above, selected through stratified random sampling from Mashhad's elderly population.
* 60 younger participants (30 women and 30 men) with an average age of 21.45 ± 0.35 years, selected through purposive sampling from Mashhad's Islamic Azad University.

Experimental Group 5

* Tasks: Engage in 90-minute non-exercise intergenerational interaction sessions in a nursing home, focusing on group discussions and storytelling.
* Participants: 60 seniors (30 women, 30 men) and 60 younger individuals (30 women, 30 men).

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

Social Visits to Nursing Homes

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

Engage in 90-minute intergenerational interaction sessions, three times a week for three months, in a nursing home setting.

* Participate in non-exercise activities such as group discussions, storytelling, and sharing experiences with younger participants.
* Attend sessions on odd days at 9 AM in the nursing home.
* Gender Representation:
* 60 participants (30 women and 30 men) aged 60 and above, selected through stratified random sampling from Mashhad's elderly population.
* 60 younger participants (30 women and 30 men) with an average age of 21.45 ± 0.35 years, selected through purposive sampling from Mashhad's Islamic Azad University.

Control Group

* Tasks: Continue daily routines without intergenerational interaction or structured activities.
* Participants: 78 seniors (39 women, 39 men) selected through stratified random sampling.

Group Type OTHER

control group

Intervention Type OTHER

Continue with their daily routines without participating in any intergenerational interaction or structured activities.

* No specific interventions or programs are provided.
* Gender Representation:
* 78 participants (39 women and 39 men) aged 60 and above, selected through stratified random sampling from Mashhad's elderly population.

Interventions

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Intergenerational Activity Program: This indicates a program that involves activities designed for interaction between older adults and younger participants

Engage in 90-minute intergenerational interaction sessions, three times a week for three months, in a controlled indoor environment.

* Spend the first 45 minutes actively interacting with a younger participant in pairs, collaborating on activities of interest to the senior.
* Participate in group activities such as book reading, puzzles, joke-telling, and sharing experiences for the remaining 45 minutes.
* Attend 36 sessions held on odd days in the main hall of the Neshat Center.
* Gender Representation:
* 60 participants (30 women and 30 men) aged 60 and above, selected through stratified random sampling from Mashhad's elderly population.
* 60 younger participants (30 women and 30 men) with an average age of 21.45 ± 0.35 years, selected through purposive sampling from Mashhad's Islamic Azad University.

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

Yoga and Mindfulness Sessions

Participate in 90-minute intergenerational yoga sessions, three times a week for three months, in a gym setting.

* Perform modified yoga exercises suitable for seniors, including:
* 20 minutes of warm-up with stretching and joint rotations.
* 50 minutes of main exercises (asanas and pranayama).
* 20 minutes of relaxation and meditation (Shavasana).
* Attend sessions on odd days at 9 AM in the Neshat Center yoga hall.
* Gender Representation:
* 60 participants (30 women and 30 men) aged 60 and above, selected through stratified random sampling from Mashhad's elderly population.
* 60 younger participants (30 women and 30 men) with an average age of 21.45 ± 0.35 years, selected through purposive sampling from Mashhad's Islamic Azad University.

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

Physical Exercise and Storytelling

Engage in 60-minute light aerobic exercises, three times a week for three months, in a park setting.

* Follow warm-up and aerobic exercises led by a senior fitness instructor.
* Spend 30 minutes in a friendly group discussion, sharing experiences and memories with younger participants.
* Attend sessions on even days at 9 AM in Mashhad's Mellat Park.
* Gender Representation:
* 60 participants (30 women and 30 men) aged 60 and above, selected through stratified random sampling from Mashhad's elderly population.
* 60 younger participants (30 women and 30 men) with an average age of 21.45 ± 0.35 years, selected through purposive sampling from Mashhad's Islamic Azad University.

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

Outdoor Interaction Games

Participate in 90-minute intergenerational interaction sessions, three times a week for three months, in a park setting.

* Engage in non-exercise activities such as group discussions, storytelling, and sharing experiences with younger participants.
* Attend sessions on even days at 9 AM in Mashhad's Mellat Park.
* Gender Representation:
* 60 participants (30 women and 30 men) aged 60 and above, selected through stratified random sampling from Mashhad's elderly population.
* 60 younger participants (30 women and 30 men) with an average age of 21.45 ± 0.35 years, selected through purposive sampling from Mashhad's Islamic Azad University.

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

Social Visits to Nursing Homes

Engage in 90-minute intergenerational interaction sessions, three times a week for three months, in a nursing home setting.

* Participate in non-exercise activities such as group discussions, storytelling, and sharing experiences with younger participants.
* Attend sessions on odd days at 9 AM in the nursing home.
* Gender Representation:
* 60 participants (30 women and 30 men) aged 60 and above, selected through stratified random sampling from Mashhad's elderly population.
* 60 younger participants (30 women and 30 men) with an average age of 21.45 ± 0.35 years, selected through purposive sampling from Mashhad's Islamic Azad University.

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

control group

Continue with their daily routines without participating in any intergenerational interaction or structured activities.

* No specific interventions or programs are provided.
* Gender Representation:
* 78 participants (39 women and 39 men) aged 60 and above, selected through stratified random sampling from Mashhad's elderly population.

Intervention Type OTHER

Eligibility Criteria

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Inclusion Criteria

Elderly Participants:

Aged 60 years or older.

Ability to engage in physical activities.

Absence of sensory or motor disabilities.

No use of antidepressant medications.

No history of conditions such as Alzheimer's or other illnesses that could pose risks during exercise.

Younger Participants:

Aged 20 to 24 years.

Unmarried.

Living with their parents.

Native residents of Mashhad.

Exclusion Criteria

Irregular attendance (more than two absences).

Physical or psychological issues hindering participation.

Lack of willingness to continue.
Minimum Eligible Age

60 Years

Eligible Sex

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Sponsors

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Zinat Ebrahimi

OTHER

Sponsor Role lead

Responsible Party

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Zinat Ebrahimi

Assistant Professor

Responsibility Role SPONSOR_INVESTIGATOR

Principal Investigators

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Dr. Zinat Ebrahimi, Professor

Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Physical Education and Sport, Islamic Azad Sanandaj, Iran.

Locations

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Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, Islamic Azad University, Sanandaj, Iran.

Sanandaj, Kurdistan Province, Iran

Site Status

Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, Faculty of Humanities and Literature, Sanandaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sanandaj, Iran.

Sanandaj, Kurdistan Province, Iran

Site Status

Countries

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Iran

References

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Veisi, K. Ismailzadeh Ghandehary, M.R. Ebrahimi, Z. (2023). Comparing the Effectiveness of Interventions of Intergenerational Interaction and Physical Activities on Depression of Elderly Women and Men (Persian). Journal of Gerontology (joge). 8(1): 10-19. https://joge.ir/article-1-620-fa.html

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Barbosa, M. R., Campinho, A., & Silva, G. (2021). "give and receive": The impact of an intergenerational program on institutionalized children and older adults. Journal of Intergenerational Relationships, 19(3), 283-304.

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Au, A., Ng, E., Garner, B., Lai, S., & Chan, K. (2015). Proactive aging and intergenerational mentoring program to promote the well-being of older adults: pilot studies. Clinical Gerontologist, 38(3), 203-210.

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Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 39926288 (View on PubMed)

Other Identifiers

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IR-IAU-MSHD.REC.1397.027

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id

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