Effects of exercise snacks combining resistance training and Wuqinxi on older adults with possible sarcopenia in nursing homes: protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Aim(s)To evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of a Fogg Behaviour Model-based exercise-snack intervention combining resistance training and Wuqinxi for improving physical function among older adults with possible sarcopenia living in nursing homes.DesignThis study is a single-centre, assessor-blinded, two-arm randomised controlled trial protocol.MethodsOlder adults with possible sarcopenia will be recruited from a nursing home in Changchun, China, and randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to either a 12-week exercise-snack intervention group or a wait-list control group. Guided by the Fogg Behaviour Model, the intervention combines resistance training and Wuqinxi delivered through short, repeated bouts of exercise to enhance exercise motivation, ability and adherence. Outcome assessments will be conducted at baseline and at weeks 4, 8 and 12. The primary outcome is physical function measured using the Short Physical Performance Battery. Secondary outcomes include upper- and lower-limb muscle strength, dynamic and static balance ability, cognitive function, exercise adherence and adverse events. Data will be analysed using linear mixed-effects models, with group, time and the group × time interaction included as fixed effects and participant-specific random intercepts.ResultsParticipant recruitment and data collection are ongoing. Study findings will be disseminated following completion of the trial and final analyses.ConclusionThis trial will provide evidence regarding the feasibility, safety and effectiveness of a Fogg Behaviour Model-based exercise-snack intervention for improving physical function among older adults with possible sarcopenia in nursing homes.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2600126344).