Comparing the effects of different acupoint-stimulating therapies in mitigating post-stroke spasticity and motor dysfunction in older stroke survivors: A network meta-analysis of randomized trials.

Acupoint-stimulating therapies have often been used to manage stroke-related spasticity and motor dysfunction. However, the effects of different acupoint-stimulating therapies in older stroke survivors have been unclear. This systematic review and network meta-analysis compared the effects of different acupoint-stimulating therapies in managing spasticity and motor dysfunction in older stroke survivors. The study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. We searched 7 databases for studies published up to July 2023. Inclusion criteria were: (1) older adults with strokes; (2) treatments were acupoint-stimulating therapies; (3) a control group did not receive acupoint-stimulating therapy, or the study compared different acupoint-stimulating therapies; and (4) outcomes included spasticity and motor function. Methodological quality was assessed with Risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials version 2, while R and Metainsight were used to conduct the network meta-analysis. We analyzed 27 studies and the results showed that non-invasive electroacupuncture and warm acupuncture were more effective in reducing spasticity than conventional acupuncture (standardized mean difference and 95 % confidence intervals = 1.35/1.19 [0.57; 2.13/0.54; 1.83]) and invasive electroacupuncture (standardized mean difference and 95 % confidence intervals = 0.96/0.80 [0.12; 1.80/0.08; 1.51]). Conventional acupuncture and invasive electroacupuncture were effective in improving motor function (standardized mean difference and 95 % confidence intervals = 0.99/1.41 [0.42; 1.56/0.54; 2.28]). However, there was significant inconsistency for the effects of invasive electroacupuncture between studies. Our findings suggest that for older stroke survivors with spasticity, non-invasive electroacupuncture and warm acupuncture are appropriate, whereas conventional acupuncture is more appropriate for patients aiming for motor recovery. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: This study was registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42023442202).

Inequality in Older Volunteering: Association Between Volunteer Competency and Demographic Profiles.

The present survey research investigated older people's volunteering competency relating to social inequality by exploring the latent ability profile and demographic correlates of 1,000 older volunteers in 73 community care centersin southern Taiwan. Older volunteers were classified into advanced (n = 509), basic (n = 214), and novice (n = 277) groups. Demographics examined included: individualistic characteristics (religious beliefs), resources (education; number of chronic diseases), andsocial factors (serving area and spoken language, volunteering duration, marital status, and gender). Apparent inequality issues were revealed. The advanced group was better educated, Mandarin-speaking, and in urban areas. while the novice group featured the opposite (lower education Taiwanese-speaking suburban areas).

Social Skill Abilities and Demographic Correlates of Older Volunteers.

Older age is associated with reduced social networks while social skill abilities are important assets for older people to cope with these situations. To better understand older people's social skill ability and important demographic correlates, the present cross-sectional survey research interviewed 1000 Taiwanese older volunteers from 73 community care centers. Findings of a mixed model indicated that education and serving area outweighed other demographic factors significantly correlated with older volunteers' social skill ability. Latent class analyses further identified different latent ability groups for different education (high vs. low) or serving-area (urban vs. suburban) older volunteers. Specifically, low-education or suburban volunteers were correlated with disadvantageous social skill profiles. Notably, the suburban eclectic ability group exhibited a skill pattern signifying the risk of loneliness. Overall, the findings called for further investigation into the relationship between older people's socioeconomic factors (e.g., education and serving area) and their social skill ability.

Factors of Influence on Diabetes Awareness in Older People With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Comorbid With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a common comorbidity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and has been associated with an increased risk of mortality in this population. PURPOSE: This study was designed to investigate the predictive factors of diabetes awareness (DA), including diabetes knowledge (DK), and diabetes care behaviors (DCB) among older people with both COPD and T2DM. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional descriptive correlation study. One hundred thirty-three older-age patients with COPD comorbid with T2DM receiving treatment at a chest hospital were enrolled as participants. Both DK and DCB were utilized to measure DA. The Diabetes Knowledge Questionnaire was utilized to measure DK, and the Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities was used to evaluate DCB. RESULTS: The average glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was 7.68% ( SD = 1.55%), with 74 (55.6%) participants having a level > 7%. The average DA was 46.46% ( SD = 13.34%), the average DK was 53.42% ( SD = 18.91%), and the average DCB was 39.50% ( SD = 16.66%). In terms of demographic variables, age, diabetes education, diabetes shared care, and HbA1c were all significantly associated with DA, DK, and DCB (all p s < .05). The overall variance in DA was significantly explained by diabetes education and HbA1c (all p s < .05). The overall variance in DK was significantly explained by age, diabetes education, and HbA1c. The overall variance in DCB was significantly explained by diabetes education and HbA1c (all p s < .05). CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Our study findings indicate that older adult patients with COPD comorbid with T2DM are at elevated risks of poor glycemic control and low DA. Healthcare professionals should be aware of these issues and develop appropriate DA plans to prevent poor glycemic control in this population. Providing accurate information on diabetes to older adults with COPD comorbid with T2DM is important to improving their DK and promoting better DCB.

Establishing psychometric properties of the older volunteer competency scale in the community.

AIM(S): To investigate the factorial structure, test-retest reliability, and internal consistency of the Older Volunteer Competency Scale and establish its psychometric properties. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. METHODS: A total of 1,000 older volunteers were recruited through random sampling and asked to complete the Older Volunteer Competency Scale. Subsequently, 100 participants were selected to participate in a second test to determine the scale's test-retest reliability. Factorial structure was assessed through exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis, and internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's α. RESULTS: Favorable exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis results were obtained. In addition, the three dimensions of the Older Volunteer Competency Scale, namely service awareness, service skills, and interpersonal interaction, had high internal consistency and test-retest reliability. CONCLUSION: The Older Volunteer Competency Scale is an effective and reliable research instrument for evaluating competency and needs among older volunteers.

Effects of Temperature, Duration, and Heating Height of Foot Thermal Therapy on Sleep Quality of Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Sleep disturbances, which are common problems in older adults, often lead to cognitive decline and depression and may even increase mortality risk. Foot thermal therapy is a simple and safe approach for improving sleep and is associated with relatively few side effects. However, the effect of different operations of foot thermal therapy on sleep quality in older adults is inconclusive. This study aimed to access the effects of temperature, duration, and heating height of foot thermal therapy (administered through a footbath) on the subjective and objective sleep quality of older adults. Methods: Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guideline, eight databases were searched for all relevant articles published up to July 2023, and a rigorous systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted. This study was registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42022383460). Inclusion criteria were: (1) participants with a mean age ≥60 years; (2) interventions that included foot thermal therapy; (3) a control group that received routine care but no thermal therapy; (4) outcome measurements that assessed sleep quality; and (5) the studies that utilized randomized controlled trials or quasi-experimental studies. Methodological quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools. The meta-analysis was performed using RevMan version 5.4. Results: A total of 11 studies were included. Foot thermal therapy before bedtime improved subjective sleep quality in older adults, with optimal parameters of 40°C temperature (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.66, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.33 to 0.99), ≤20-min duration (SMD = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.39 to 0.93), and 10 cm heating height (SMD = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.45 to 1.11). Subgroup analyses revealed that a temperature of 41°C-42°C can improve objective sleep latency (SMD = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.09 to 0.99). Conclusions: It is recommended to administer foot thermal therapy (40°C; ≤20 min; 10 cm above the ankle) to older adults 1 h before their bedtime. If they have trouble falling asleep, the temperature can be increased to 41°C-42°C.

Effects of Different Mind-body Exercises in Managing Chronic Pain of Older Adults: A Network Meta-analysis of Randomized Trials.

INTRODUCTION: Mind-body exercises (MBEs) were shown to be effective in managing chronic pain among older adults in several recent studies. However, the differences in the effects of different MBEs remained unclear. OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of different MBEs in managing chronic pain in older adults. METHODS: Eight databases were searched for studies published between 2012 and 2023, and 14 studies were included in this systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA). The NMA was performed using R and Metainsight. RESULTS: Results showed that tai chi and yoga were effective in alleviating chronic pain, but their effects were not superior to traditional physical exercises and other MBEs. In addition, none of the MBEs were shown to be effective in mitigating chronic pain-related disabilities. CONCLUSION: Tai chi and yoga can be used for relieving chronic pain in older adults; however, MBE programs alone were not sufficient to mitigate chronic pain-related disabilities.

[Concept Analysis of Fusion Leadership].

Important concepts in leadership management related to the field of medical care management include servant leadership, charismatic leadership, and transformational leadership. Since the 2020 emergence of the coronavirus pandemic, the world has faced the immediate challenges of epidemic prevention and control. Although national government and medical system officials as well as scholars have weighed in on this issue, their leadership does not appear to line up the core ideas of leadership. Daft and Lengel (2000) examined the influence of fusion leadership on individuals and organizations. The fusion of many nuclei of leadership intentions will produce great power and influence. To elucidate the concept of integrated leadership for individuals and organizations in the post-pandemic healthcare system, this paper summarizes the defining characteristics of fusion leadership based on the conceptual analysis method of Walker and Avant (2019). Concurrently, we confirm the antecedents and consequences of fusion leadership, use different cases to illustrate the analysis, and share the reference indicators and measurements of fusion leadership to provide a reference for healthcare system administrators.

Comparing Different Stretching Exercises on Pain, Stiffness, and Physical Function Disability in Older Adults With Knee Osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess and compare the effects of different stretching exercise programs on pain, stiffness, and physical function disability in older adults with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). DATA SOURCES: This study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guideline for network meta-analysis (NMA). Relevant randomized controlled trials were identified by searching 7 databases up to December 2022. STUDY SELECTION: Inclusion criteria included (1) older adults with KOA; (2) intervention included stretching exercises; (3) control groups received no stretching exercise; and (4) outcome measurements included pain, stiffness, or physical function disability. Methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials version 2. DATA EXTRACTION: NMA was performed using R and MetaInsight, with results presented as a standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI). DATA SYNTHESIS: We examined 17 studies, and NMA results indicated that proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching, mind-body exercises, and multi-component exercise programs were effective in mitigating pain in older adults with KOA (SMD=2.54 [95% CI: 1.23; 3.84], SMD=1.09 [95% CI: 0.27; 1.92], SMD=0.57 [95% CI: 0.06; 1.09]). Moreover, mind-body exercises and multi-component exercises were the most effective programs in reducing stiffness (SMD=1.31 [95% CI: 0.12; 2.51]) and physical function disability (SMD=1.67 [95% CI: 0.01; 3.33]) in older adults with KOA, respectively. CONCLUSION: Findings suggest that PNF stretching, mind-body exercises, and multi-component exercises can be incorporated into exercise programs to better mitigate pain, stiffness, and physical function disability in older adults with KOA.

Types of Voluntary Work and Influence of Participation for Older Volunteers: A Systematic Review of Qualitative Studies.

This systematic review synthesized findings on socio-demographic characteristics of older adults who engaged in formal volunteering, types of voluntary work for engagement, and the outcomes resulting from different types of voluntary work participation. Studies published in peer-reviewed journals were identified from six electronic databases. Studies were included if they: (1) involved a study sample of adults aged 65 and older or had a mean age of 65 , (2) reported any type of formal voluntary work at any setting, and (3) reported at least one influence of voluntary work on volunteers. Older adults who were female, married, retired, and have a higher education, fair health, and more volunteering experience participated in voluntary work. The majority of older volunteers preferred to volunteer in a community setting, and they most commonly participated in healthcare or social care related voluntary work. The older volunteers perceived positive influences mostly related to health-relatedoutcomes or helping knowledge and skills.

A Feasibility Evaluation of the Need-Centered Watch-Assess-Need Intervention-Think Education and Training Program for Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia.

BACKGROUND: Despite the high prevalence of dementia among residents living in long-term care facilities in Taiwan, most care providers in these facilities have not received adequate training to deal with the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). An original care and management model for BPSD has been developed, and model-based recommendations for an education and training program have been made. However, empirical testing has not yet been conducted to determine the efficacy of this program. PURPOSE: This study was designed to evaluate the feasibility of using the Watch-Assess-Need intervention-Think (WANT) education and training program for BPSD in long-term care settings. METHODS: A mixed-method design was used. Twenty care providers and 20 corresponding care receivers (residents with dementia) from a nursing home in southern Taiwan were enrolled. Data were collected using a variety of measurement tools, including the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory, Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia, Attitude towards Dementia Care Scale, and Dementia Behavior Disturbance Self-efficacy Scale. Qualitative data, including care-provider perspectives on the efficacy of the WANT education and training program, were also collected. Repeated measures were conducted on the results of quantitative data analysis, whereas content analysis was performed on the results of qualitative data analysis. RESULTS: Findings indicate that the program relieves agitated behavior (p = .01), alleviates depression in those with dementia (p < .001), and enhances care-provider attitudes toward dementia care (p = .01). However, no significant improvement was found in self-efficacy among the care providers (p = .11). In terms of qualitative outcomes, care providers indicated they perceived improved self-efficacy in managing BPSD, improved ability to view problems from a more need-centered perspective, improved attitudes toward dementia and patients' BPSD, and decreased care burden and stress. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The study found the WANT education and training program to be feasible in clinical practice. Because of this program's simple and easy-to-remember characteristics, it is recommended that it be vigorously promoted to care providers in both long-term institutional and home care settings to help them effectively address the BPSD.

[Precision Health in Nursing Practice].

Precision health is a new trend in medical care that follows in the footsteps of precision medicine. While precision medicine focuses on treating diseases after occurrence, precision health places greater emphasis on preventative healthcare and health empowerment to prevent and predict disease. Precision health aims to assess the social, economic, cultural, and environmental factors of individuals based on their unique biology, genomics, and other factors and to provide personalized healthcare, preventive medicine, and health promotion through disease prediction to empower people to lead the best possible healthy life. Precision healthcare is the focus of development in advanced countries. Disease diagnosis, treatment, and the successful implementation of precision health needs are optimized using technology such as genomic testing in combination with individual clinical and health information. Precision health focuses on the early identification of risks and prevention. Nursing staff should integrate evidence-based precision health and provide the best medical services and personalized care to each individual to achieve the best quality of life.

VR exergame interventions among older adults living in long-term care facilities: A systematic review with Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: To improve the motivation toward exercise in older adults, exergames have shifted from entertainment to rehabilitation. OBJECTIVES: To review the training focus of exergames and analyze the effectiveness of exergame training on physical, psychological, or cognitive outcomes among older adults in long-term care facilities (LTCFs). METHODS: This review followed the PRISMA guidelines. By searching 7 electronic databases up to April 30, 2022, studies were included if they 1) involved adults ≥65 years old residing in LTCFs, 2) were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with virtual reality-based exergames as the intervention, 3) compared the effects of exergames to usual care or conventional exercises, and 4) reported physical, psychological, or cognitive outcomes. The Cochrane Risk-of-Bias tool for randomized trials version 2 (RoB 2) and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) were used to evaluate the methodological quality of studies and levels of evidence for outcomes. The meta-analysis was conducted with Review Manager 5.4. Results are presented as standardized mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: A total of 12 RCTs were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. For overall methodological quality, 10 studies showed some concerns and 2 studies showed high risk. Levels of evidence for outcomes were assessed as low (n = 8) and very low (n = 4). The studies involved a total of 482 older adults. Most studies implemented balance exercise as the exergame intervention. Older adults who completed exergame interventions showed improvements in cognitive outcomes (SMD 0.90, 95%CI 0.61-1.19, p<0.001) and in balance self-efficacy (SMD 1.04, 95%CI 0.47-1.61, p<0.001) as compared with those in usual care. They also showed improvements in balance (SMD 0.49, 95%CI 0.20-0.78, p<0.001) as compared with those in conventional exercise programs. Overall, exergames had a positive effect on balance (SMD 0.62, 95%CI 0.29-0.95, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: This review revealed that exergames can improve the balance ability of older adults in LTCFs.

Medications for Chronic Conditions and Mortality in Older Adults.

BACKGROUND: With the population aging, examining the relationship between polypharmacy and mortality based on population data sources is important for clinical management and policy direction. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to examine the association between the number of chronic medications and the risk of mortality in older adults. METHODS: This population-based retrospective cohort study used data from the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan for information regarding chronic medication use (over 4 years) in older adults aged 65 years and older. The association between medication use and mortality numbers was analyzed using Cox proportional hazards regression models adjusted for demographic variables and comorbidity. RESULTS: The number of medications was significantly associated with high mortality risk. Within polypharmacy, being 65-74 years old, male, living in northern Taiwan, having one type of comorbid disease, and receiving <84 days of refillable chronic prescription were associated with greater mortality risk. Subgroup analyses' results regarding comorbidity showed significant positive associations between the number of medications and mortality in most comorbid diseases except for mental disorders and diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue. DISCUSSION: General practitioners should know that chronic polypharmacy is associated with increased mortality risk. Recognizing the possible adverse effects of multiple medication use could help physicians optimize drug regimens in the future.

Acupunch Exercise Improved Muscle Mass, Hand Grip Strength, and Sleep Quality of Institutional Older Adults with Probable Sarcopenia.

This study tested the effectiveness of a 6-month vitality acupunch (VA) exercise program on muscle mass, hand grip strength, and sleep quality in institutional older adults with probable sarcopenia. A cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted. A total of 103 older adults were assigned to the experimental group (n = 52) and control group (n = 51) according to the institution they inhabited. After the 6-month VA exercise intervention, the experimental group showed significant increases in muscle mass (F = 5.93, p = .017), hand grip strength (F = 56.73, p < .001), and improved sleep quality (F = 23.20, p < .001) compared to the control group. Based on the meridian theory that promotes qi and blood circulation, VA exercise has positive effects on muscle mass, hand grip strength, and sleep quality in older adults with probable sarcopenia.

Effects of Tabletop Games on Cognition in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Studies have shown that leisure activities, such as tabletop games, not only increase social interactions and reduce depression among older adults, but also help improve their cognitive function. However, the effects of tabletop games on cognition in older adults are yet to be comprehensively analyzed. The purpose of this study was to review and examine the effects of tabletop games on cognition in older adults. This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Articles were searched in seven electronic databases from their inception to December 2020. A total of 3946 studies were retrieved, among which 11 studies were systematically reviewed and 10 were meta-analyzed. In older adults with intact cognition, tabletop games had positive effects on their global cognition (standardized mean differences [SMD] = 1.36, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 0.37-2.34, P < 0.001) and executive function (SMD = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.12-0.83, P < 0.001). In older adults with cognitive impairment, significant differences were found in global cognition (SMD = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.09-0.98, P = 0.02). Tabletop games had the characteristics of cognitive training and interpersonal interactions. After receiving tabletop game interventions, the cognitive functioning in older adults with intact cognition and those with mild cognitive impairment or dementia was improved. For older adults, in addition to improving cognitive functioning, tabletop games also increased their social participation and interactions. Systematic Review Registration: This review has been registered in the PROSPERO (CRD42021254085).

[Role Function and Policy Prospects of Long-Term Care Nurses in Taiwan: Evidence-Based Policy Recommendations of Professional Nursing Organizations].

Professional nursing organizations represent an important channel for the nursing profession to influence health policy, represent and protect the interests of nurses, and advocate for the further development of the profession. Facing the rapidly increasing aging population and emerging needs of long-term care in Taiwan, the Taiwan Nurses Association launched an integrated project to propose policy advice on the development of nursing in long-term care. In this paper, the relevant findings in the domestic and foreign literature are summarized to better define the role function and core competence of long-term care nurses. In addition, the current tasks, perceived competence, and training needs of nurses working in long term care settings are presented, and the consensus on various advocacy strategies are summarized. The findings presented in this study may be referenced when developing evidence-based policy recommendations related to education, practice, legal / regulatory amendments, and professional organizations.

Physical fitness and frailty status of frail older adults in long-term care facilities after acupunch exercises: A cluster-randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Frailty is a complex geriatric syndrome and serves as an indicator for functional degradation in older adults. Regular exercise intervention could reduce the level of frailty and improve general physical fitness. The aim of this study was to test the effects of the Vitality Acupunch (VA) exercise on the promotion of physical fitness and the improvement of frailty status among frail older adults in long-term care facilities. METHOD: This study was a cluster-randomized controlled trial adopted a pretest-posttest design. Using convenience sampling, 81 frail adults older than 65 years of age from 10 long-term care facilities participated in this study. The older adults were cluster-randomized by facility into an intervention group (5 long-term care facilities, n = 40) and a control group (5 long-term care facilities, n = 41). The intervention group engaged in the VA exercise 3 times a week, each lasting 40 min, for 24 weeks. The control group maintained regular activities of daily living. The outcome measures for physical fitness were assessed before study began (pretest), at the 12th week (posttest 1), and at the 24th week (posttest 2) in the study. RESULTS: After a 24-week intervention, the frail older adults who engaged in the VA exercise program showed significant improvements in handgrip strength, upper-limb muscle endurance, lung function, shoulder flexibility, forward flexion, shoulder joint flexion, and shoulder joint abduction (all p < 0.05) but not in lower-limb muscle endurance (p = 0.502) compared against their pretest data. The intervention group had significantly better physical fitness and positive changes in frailty status than the control group (all p < 0.001), except for the lower-limb muscle endurance (p = 0.557). CONCLUSION: Regular engagement in the VA exercise program for 24 weeks significantly improved the physical fitness and frailty status of frail older adults in long-term care facilities.

Types of exercise and training duration on depressive symptoms among older adults in long-term care facilities.

BACKGROUND: Depression is associated with a greater risk of disability, cognitive impairment, and suicide. Older adults in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) are more likely to develop depression due to changes in family roles and separation from family members. The aim of this study was to synthesize and analyze the effects of different types of exercise and training duration on depressive symptoms of older adults in LTCFs. METHODS: Relevant peer-reviewed journal articles published in English were identified through a search of six electronic databases up to June 2021. RESULTS: A total of 25 studies were included in the systematic review and 22 in the meta-analysis. The results of meta-analysis showed that exercise interventions reduced depression in cognitively intact older adults and in cognitively impaired older adults. Both exercising less than 150 min per week or more than 150 min per week, reduced depressive symptoms of older adults. In terms of exercise types, mind-body exercises, exergames, and strength training reduced depressive symptoms. CONCLUSION: Exercise has a positive effect on reducing depressive symptoms with mind-body exercises, exergames, and strength training producing the best effect. Regardless of cognitive impairment, older adults in LTCFs benefited from exercise in reducing depressive symptoms.

Effects of Vitality Acupunch exercise on functional fitness and activities of daily living among probable sarcopenic older adults in residential facilities.

PURPOSE: To test the effects of a Vitality Acupunch exercise program on the functional fitness and the ability to perform the activities of daily living (ADL) among older adults with probable sarcopenia in residential facilities. DESIGN: This was a cluster-randomized controlled trial. A total of 12 long-term care facilities randomly assigned to the intervention and control groups with 1:1 allocation ratio. Among them, 114 older adults with probable sarcopenia participated at baseline and were allocated to either the intervention or control group according to the facility where they resided in. Of these, 103 older adults completed the study. METHODS: The intervention group (n = 52) underwent the Vitality Acupunch exercise program three times a week, each lasting 40 min, for 6 months while the control group (n = 51) performed its routine daily activities. FINDINGS: The functional fitness and ADL of the intervention group significantly improved at each time point (all p < 0.001), while the control group showed a significant decreasing trend. Except the lower limb muscular endurance, the functional fitness and ADL of the intervention group significantly improved compared to the control group at T1, and the improvements were still significant at T2. CONCLUSIONS: Functional fitness and the ability to perform ADL in older adults with probable sarcopenia were significantly improved after receiving the Vitality Acupunch exercises. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: An exercise that integrates the meridian theory and exercise concepts effectively improves functional fitness in probable sarcopenic older adults. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04504786). The trial was first posted on August 7, 2020. This part of the data was collected from August 2020 to March 2021.