SarcopeniaNCT07345832
The Effect of Volunteer-Engaged Lifestyle Optimisation Via ICOPE on Sarcopenia in Older Adults (VELO-S)
A study testing Volunteer-Engaged Lifestyle Optimisation via ICOPE for Sarcopenia program (VELO-S) in people with Sarcopenia and Sarcopenia in Elderly, run by The University of Hong Kong at 1 site in Hong Kong.
Trial summary
Sarcopenia prevention and management are highly prioritised goals in the Healthy Ageing agenda. The study aims to: 1) evaluate the effects of the digital-enhanced, volunteer-engaged collaborative care pathway to improve sarcopenia, reduce fall risk, and increase health-related quality of life (HRQL) among… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 60 years and older
- Conditions the study is for
- Sarcopenia, Sarcopenia in Elderly, Fall Prevention in Healthy Aging
- What is being tested?
- Volunteer-Engaged Lifestyle Optimisation via ICOPE for Sarcopenia program (VELO-S)
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 200 participants
- Where
- 1 siteHong Kong
- Study dates
- 1 Feb 2026to 30 Sep 2027
- Phase
- Interventional
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 60 years and older
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- aged 60 or above
- Pseudo-Sarcopenia as indicated by a score on SARC-CaIF ≥11, OR sarcopenia according relative BIA-based appendicular skeletal mass/ height (Men: <7 kg/m2; women: <5.7 kg/m2), OR handgrip strength on dominant hand (male <28 kg, female <18 kg) (Chen et al., 2025)
- the ability to use a smartphone, electronic tablet, or computer
- consent to participate
Who cannot join
- having medical conditions contradictory to physical activity including unstable cardiovascular and orthopaedic conditions
- engaging in other structured health promotion program involving physical activity and nutritional enhancement
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Hong Kong1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
The University of Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Doris Sau Fung YU, PhD, 852-3917-6319, dyu1@hku.hk
About this study
Official title: The Effect of Volunteer-Engaged Lifestyle Optimisation Via ICOPE on Sarcopenia in Older Adults (VELO-S): A Randomised Controlled Trial
Sarcopenia prevention and management are highly prioritised goals in the Healthy Ageing agenda. The study aims to: 1) evaluate the effects of the digital-enhanced, volunteer-engaged collaborative care pathway to improve sarcopenia, reduce fall risk, and increase health-related quality of life (HRQL) among community-dwelling older adults with risk of, or diagnosed with, sarcopenia; 2) evaluate whether the volunteers who received health coach capacity training and supported the intervention experienced health benefits across time; 3) explore the engagement experiences and perceived effects of elderly participants with sarcopenia during the program; 4) evaluate the intervention implementation process and effects from the perspectives of social care workers.
Read the detailed description
Sarcopenia-an age-related, progressive syndrome characterised by reduced skeletal muscle strength and mass/quality with impaired physical performance-has become a key modifiable determinant of frailty, falls, disability, hospitalisation, and mortality among community-dwelling older adults. In Hong Kong, approximately 9% of adults aged 65 and above are diagnosed with sarcopenia, indicating a substantial community burden. Beyond functional loss, sarcopenia is associated with increased healthcare utilisation and costs, evidence suggests higher risks of hospital admission and longer length of stay among older adults with sarcopenia, contributing to considerable economic impact.
A key gap in sarcopenia management: many interventions and service models have limited capacity to sustain lifestyle behavioural changes over time.
To address the above gaps, the VELO-S project proposes a 12-week, volunteer-engaged lifestyle optimisation programme grounded in WHO ICOPE and delivered through an ICOPE-based critical pathway for nutrition and exercise. VELO-S is enabled by a digital platform that contains an exhaustive checklist of person-centred risk factors and corresponding, precise lifestyle activity recommendations for each care pathway (nutrition and physical activity). In parallel, VELO-S incorporates goal-oriented empowerment and volunteer-enhanced interactive lifestyle empowerment workshops, targeting the sustainability mechanisms required to deter sarcopenia progression in community-dwelling older adults.
This overall study aims to evaluate the effects and implementation of VELO-S among community-dwelling older adults with pseudo-sarcopenia or sarcopenia.
The objectives of this study are to (1) examine the effectiveness of a 12-week VELO-S intervention compared to an attention control in improving appendicular skeletal muscle mass, handgrip strength, physical mobility function, risk of sarcopenia, frailty, nutrition, physical activity, and health-related quality of life among community-dwelling older adults with sarcopenia risk or sarcopenia at 12 weeks post-intervention and 24 weeks follow-up; (2) to examine changes in health-related quality of life and mental health among volunteers who participated in the health coach capacity training at 12 weeks post-intervention delivery and 24 weeks follow-up, compared to baseline; (3) to explore the engagement experiences and perceived effects of elderly participants with sarcopenia during the program; (4) to explore the perspectives of social care workers on their experience on intervention effects and implementation process.
- Conditions
- Sarcopenia, Sarcopenia in Elderly, Fall Prevention in Healthy Aging, Frailty Syndrome, Malnutrition Elderly, Frailty
- Being tested
- Volunteer-Engaged Lifestyle Optimisation via ICOPE for Sarcopenia program (VELO-S), Attention control
- Keywords
- sarcopenia, elderly, frailty, fall prevention, malnutrition, health-related quality of life, digital intervention
- Medical subject headings
- Sarcopenia, Frailty, Malnutrition
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Volunteer-Engaged Lifestyle Optimisation via ICOPE for Sarcopenia program (VELO-S)Behavioural
A series of interactive lifestyle empowerment workshops will be conducted at community centres to translate the care plan into sustainable behavioural changes. One brief orientation and strategic planning and individualised care planning session, five volunteer-enhanced interactive workshops led by nurses will be delivered to equip older adults with knowledge and practical skills to manage sarcopenia.
Participants will be assisted by a corresponding health coach throughout the 12-week intervention workshop.
Attention controlBehavioural
The attention control group receives six session meeting covering topics unrelated to sarcopenia, it will be delivered in a small-group with comparable duration and frequency of contact and engagement to those in the intervention group
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Volunteer-Engaged Lifestyle Optimisation via ICOPE for Sarcopenia program (VELO-S) | Experimental | This digital program incorporates a 12-week, volunteer-engaged lifestyle optimisation programme grounded in WHO ICOPE and delivered through an ICOPE-based critical pathway for nutrition and exercise. Receives: Behavioral: Volunteer-Engaged Lifestyle Optimisation via ICOPE for Sarcopenia program (VELO-S) |
| Attention control | Active comparator | To control for the non-specific effects of receiving attention and social interaction on outcomes, participants in the attention control group will receive an education protocol that is unrelated to sarcoepnia, with comparable duration and frequency of contact and engagement to those in the intervention group ensuring comparable exposure to social engagement and attention. Educational materials will be distributed to participants. Receives: Behavioral: Attention control |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI)
Appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI) measured by Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA)
Measured: Baseline (T0), 3 months (T1), and 6 months (T2)
Handgrip Strength
Handgrip strength will be measured by a hydraulic hand dynamometer from dominant hand, taking the highest value among 3 measurements. Low muscle strength is defined if male <28kg, and femal <18kg.
Measured: Baseline (T0), 3 months (T1), and 6 months (T2)
Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB)
Physical function will be measured by the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), which combines balance test, gait velocity and chair stand. SPPB score ranges from 0-12, higher score better physical performance. Low physical function is defined by SPPB score ≤9.
Measured: baseline (T0), 3 months (T1), and 3 months (T2)
Secondary outcomes (9)
Sarcopenia and calf circumference scale (SARC-CalF)
Sarcopenia and calf circumference scale (SARC-CalF) includes 5 items (strength, assistance with walking, rising from a chair, climbing stairs, Falls, calf circumference). The score ranges from 0 to 20 points, with a score ≥ 11 points suggestive of sarcopenia.
Measured: Baseline (T0), 3 months (T1), and 6 months (T2)
11-item Edmonton Frail Scale
The Edmonton Frail Scale (EFS) is scored from 0 to 17, with higher scores indicating greater frailty. An EFS score ≥ 8 is generally used as the cutoff for frailty. Scores 6-7 flag patients who are at risk.
Measured: Baseline (T0), 3 months (T1), and 6 months (T2)
Timed Up and Go (TUG) test
Measured by the Timed Up and Go Test in unit of second. A shorter completion time indicates better mobility and balance.
Measured: Baseline (T0), 3 months (T1), and 6 months (T2)
The Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA)
Measured by the Mini Nutritional Assessment (scores range from 0 to 30), with a lower score indicating a higher risk of malnutrition.
Measured: Baseline (T0), 3 months (T1), and 6 months (T2)
International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-Short)
Measured by International Physical Activity Questionnaire is a self-report measure of physical activity. Frenquency and time spent on walking, moderate and vigorous physical activity will be reported. More time spent on physical actiivty indicating a higher physical activity level.
Measured: Baseline (T0), 3 months (T1), and 6 months (T2)
The EuroQoL-5D-5L instruments
Assess the health-related quality of life to generate the utility score for cost-effective analysis. Including the status on mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression using a 5-level response set, with "unable to" levels mean a worse situation.
Measured: Baseline (T0), 3 months (T1), and 6 months (T2)
The EuroQoL-5D-5L Visual Analog Scale
Assess the health-related quality of lifeby a 0-100 scores Visual Analog Scale to measure perceived health, higher scores mean a better outcome.
Measured: Baseline (T0), 3 months (T1), and 6 months (T2)
Lipid Biomarkers
Assess the comprehensive lipid panel including triglyceride, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein and low density lipoprotein through capillary blood samples collected via fingertip puncture
Measured: Baseline (T0)
Metabolic Biomarkers
Assess the fasting glucose through capillary blood samples collected via fingertip puncture
Measured: Baseline (T0)
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted16 Jan 2026
- Study start1 Feb 2026
- Primary completion30 Mar 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion30 Sep 2027 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (25)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for SarcopeniaStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by The University of Hong KongThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Prevention
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- This RCT randomised 200 older adults at risk of, or diagnosed with, sarcopenia to receive the digital pathway intervention or to an attention control group
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 200 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- The University of Hong Kong
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Prof. Yu, Doris Sau Fung, The University of Hong Kong
- Investigators
- Doris Sau Fung YU, PhD, Principal investigator, The University of Hong Kong
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07345832
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- VELO-S
- Status last verified
- Sep 2026
- First submitted
- 7 Jan 2026
- Last updated
- 8 Sep 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Yang Y, Pan N, Luo J, Liu Y, Ossowski Z. Exercise and Nutrition for Sarcopenia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis with Subgroup Analysis by Population Characteristics. Nutrients. 2025 Jul 17;17(14):2342. doi: 10.3390/nu17142342.
PubMed 40732966Wu S, Nan J, Chang J, Jiang D, Cao Z, Zhou S, Feng H, Xiao LD. Adherence to exercise intervention for community-dwelling older adults with sarcopenia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Age Ageing. 2025 Mar 28;54(4):afaf094. doi: 10.1093/ageing/afaf094.
PubMed 40253683Wang Z, Xu X, Gao S, Wu C, Song Q, Shi Z, Su J, Zang J. Effects of Internet-Based Nutrition and Exercise Interventions on the Prevention and Treatment of Sarcopenia in the Elderly. Nutrients. 2022 Jun 14;14(12):2458. doi: 10.3390/nu14122458.
PubMed 35745187Vijayananthan A, Nawawi O. The importance of Good Clinical Practice guidelines and its role in clinical trials. Biomed Imaging Interv J. 2008 Jan;4(1):e5. doi: 10.2349/biij.4.1.e5. Epub 2008 Jan 1.
PubMed 21614316Tighe SA, Ball K, Kensing F, Kayser L, Rawstorn JC, Maddison R. Toward a Digital Platform for the Self-Management of Noncommunicable Disease: Systematic Review of Platform-Like Interventions. J Med Internet Res. 2020 Oct 28;22(10):e16774. doi: 10.2196/16774.
PubMed 33112239Sum G, Lau LK, Jabbar KA, Lun P, George PP, Munro YL, Ding YY. The World Health Organization (WHO) Integrated Care for Older People (ICOPE) Framework: A Narrative Review on Its Adoption Worldwide and Lessons Learnt. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Dec 22;20(1):154. doi: 10.3390/ijerph20010154.
PubMed 36612480Rodrigues B, Judice PB, Marques A, Carraca EV, Lopes L, Sousa-Sa E, Encantado J, Videira-Silva A, Cliff DP, Mendes R, Santos R; QMov24h working group. 24-hour Movement Questionnaire (QMov24h) for adults: development process and measurement properties. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act. 2024 Oct 9;21(1):116. doi: 10.1186/s12966-024-01667-7.
PubMed 39385225Petermann-Rocha F, Gray SR, Pell JP, Ho FK, Celis-Morales C. The joint association of sarcopenia and frailty with incidence and mortality health outcomes: A prospective study. Clin Nutr. 2021 Apr;40(4):2427-2434. doi: 10.1016/j.clnu.2020.10.044. Epub 2020 Nov 1.
PubMed 33189425Perna S, Francis MD, Bologna C, Moncaglieri F, Riva A, Morazzoni P, Allegrini P, Isu A, Vigo B, Guerriero F, Rondanelli M. Performance of Edmonton Frail Scale on frailty assessment: its association with multi-dimensional geriatric conditions assessed with specific screening tools. BMC Geriatr. 2017 Jan 4;17(1):2. doi: 10.1186/s12877-016-0382-3.
PubMed 28049443Pek K, Tan CN, Yew S, Yeo A, Lim JP, Chew J, Lim WS. Letter to the Editor: COVID-19 Pandemic Control Measures: Impact on Social Frailty and Health Outcomes in Non-Frail Community-Dwelling Older Adults. J Nutr Health Aging. 2021;25(6):816-818. doi: 10.1007/s12603-021-1635-1. No abstract available.
PubMed 34179939Park SH, Lee H. Effectiveness of Combined Exercise and Nutrition Interventions in Preventing and Improving Sarcopenia in Frail or Healthy Older Adults: A Systematic Review. Res Gerontol Nurs. 2023 Nov-Dec;16(6):312-320. doi: 10.3928/19404921-20230817-03. Epub 2023 Aug 25.
PubMed 37616483Meza-Valderrama D, Sanchez-Rodriguez D, Pena YC, Ramirez-Fuentes C, Munoz-Redondo E, Morgado-Perez A, Ortiz-Agurto N, Finis-Gallardo P, Marco E. Resistance Training and Nutritional Supplementation in Older Adults with Sarcopenia after Acute Disease: A Feasibility Study. Nutrients. 2024 Sep 10;16(18):3053. doi: 10.3390/nu16183053.
PubMed 39339653Malmstrom TK, Morley JE. SARC-F: a simple questionnaire to rapidly diagnose sarcopenia. J Am Med Dir Assoc. 2013 Aug;14(8):531-2. doi: 10.1016/j.jamda.2013.05.018. Epub 2013 Jun 25. No abstract available.
PubMed 23810110Lee D, Kim M, Won CW. Common and different characteristics among combinations of physical frailty and sarcopenia in community-dwelling older adults: The Korean Frailty and Aging Cohort Study. Geriatr Gerontol Int. 2022 Jan;22(1):42-49. doi: 10.1111/ggi.14314. Epub 2021 Nov 23.
PubMed 34816568Holtrop JS, Estabrooks PA, Gaglio B, Harden SM, Kessler RS, King DK, Kwan BM, Ory MG, Rabin BA, Shelton RC, Glasgow RE. Understanding and applying the RE-AIM framework: Clarifications and resources. J Clin Transl Sci. 2021 May 14;5(1):e126. doi: 10.1017/cts.2021.789. eCollection 2021.
PubMed 34367671