Participatory Art-Based Activity for Health, Social Interactions, and Quality of Life

Not currently recruiting at 1 trial location

Overseen By Kevin Galery, MS

Age: 65+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Jewish General Hospital

Disqualifiers: Other trial, Art activity, Language

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores whether weekly museum tours over three months can reduce social isolation among older adults in urban areas. The focus is on participatory art-based activities, where participants actively engage with art to see if it improves social interactions and overall quality of life. Two groups will participate: one will join the museum activities, while the other will not. This trial suits individuals aged 65 and older who have internet access at home and can read and write in English or French. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to engage with art and potentially enhance social life and well-being.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What prior data suggests that this participatory art-based activity is safe for older adults?

Research shows that art-based activities are generally safe for older adults. Studies have found that these activities can enhance health and well-being without causing harm. In one study, older adults who participated in weekly art and museum activities reported a better quality of life. Researchers found no major negative side effects, suggesting that these activities are well-tolerated. For those considering joining a trial like this, current evidence supports its safety for participants. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about participatory art-based activities because they offer a fresh approach to enhancing health, social interactions, and quality of life among older adults. Unlike traditional treatments that might involve medication or therapy sessions, this method encourages active engagement in creative arts, which can stimulate cognitive function, promote social connections, and improve overall well-being. This approach is non-invasive and can be more enjoyable, potentially leading to higher participation rates and longer-lasting benefits. Researchers are hopeful that this innovative technique will uncover new ways to support aging populations in maintaining a high quality of life.

What evidence suggests that participatory art-based activity is effective for reducing social isolation in older adults?

Research has shown that participating in art activities can enhance the quality of life for older adults. In this trial, participants in the intervention group will engage in participatory art-based activities, which studies have found can boost mental well-being and foster social connections. For instance, one study found that art and museum activities improved health among older people. Another study reported that these activities strengthened relationships and encouraged personal growth. Overall, this evidence suggests that engaging in art can be a valuable way to improve health and reduce feelings of loneliness. ^{1 2 3 4 6}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Olivier Beauchet, MD

Principal Investigator

McGill University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for older adults aged 65 and over who live in urban areas, can use the internet with a device like a computer or smartphone, and expect to live at least another three months. They should be able to understand and write either French or English. People already in another clinical trial or who have done art-based activities at the MMFA cannot join.

Inclusion Criteria

Having an Internet access with an electronic device (i.e., laptop, computer, smartphone, tablet) at the participant's place of living as the repetitive assessments for this study will be performed on the web platform of the Centre of Excellence on Longevity of McGill University

I am 65 years old or older.

Life expectancy estimated over 3 months as the duration of the follow-up is 3 months

Exclusion Criteria

Not speaking the language of the study

Concomitant participation to another clinical trial

Having participated to a participatory art-based activity of the MMFA

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Qualitative Phase

Observation of guided tours, semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and analysis of relevant organizational documents

3 months

Weekly visits to the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts

Quantitative Phase

Randomized clinical trial to assess the impact of museum tours on social inclusion, well-being, and quality of life

3 months

Weekly visits to the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in social isolation, frailty, and quality of life after the intervention

3 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Participatory Art-Based Activity

Trial Overview The study is testing if weekly museum tours at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts over three months can help reduce social isolation among seniors, potentially improving their health, social interactions, and overall quality of life.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Intervention group Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

The participants in the Intervention group will be participants of the MMFA participatory art-based activity.

Group II: Control Group Active Control 1 Intervention

The Control arm will be composed of older community dwellers matched on age and sex compared to the Intervention group but who will not be participants at the MMFA participatory art-based activity.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Jewish General Hospital

Lead Sponsor

Trials

144

Recruited

283,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

Art therapy interventions, particularly those involving painting or drawing, have been shown to significantly reduce anxiety and depression in cancer patients, with six out of seven quantitative studies reporting these improvements.

Additionally, art therapy has been associated with enhanced quality of life and positive effects on personal growth and coping mechanisms, although more rigorous, evidence-based studies are needed to further validate these findings.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

An overview of art therapy interventions for cancer patients and the results of research. Geue, K., Goetze, H., Buttstaedt, M., et al.[2010]

A study involving 60 children aged 7-13 with cancer showed that those who participated in painting and handcrafting art therapy experienced significant improvements in physical activity, emotional well-being, and social engagement compared to a control group.

The art therapy led to better overall health status and reduced feelings of depression and stress, indicating that creative activities can enhance the quality of life for pediatric cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effectiveness of group art therapy on quality of life in paediatric patients with cancer: A randomized controlled trial. Abdulah, DM., Abdulla, BMO.[2019]

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10768056/

Effects of participatory 'A'rt-Based Activity On 'Health ... The findings demonstrate the potential of a structured art and museum-based intervention as a resource for promoting health among aging populations.

2. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378512219307224

Participatory art-based activity, community-dwelling older ... This study aims to examine changes in well-being, quality of life and frailty associated with a weekly art-based activity, known as “Thursday at the Museum”.

3. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-5-2021-6bf8d

Participatory Art-Based Activity for Health, Social ... Research shows that art therapy, which includes activities like painting and drawing, can improve the quality of life and mental well-being for cancer patients ...

4. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10766355/

what worked for the Singapore A-Health Intervention? - PMC The outcomes of improved interpersonal bonds, personal growth, and mindful living were consistent with the literature on art and museum-based ...

5. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03557723

Effect of Art Museum Activity Program for the Elderly ... It has been reported that practicing art and/or being involved in cultural programs, especially participatory-based art activities, enhances the quality of life ...

6. tandfonline.com tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13607863.2022.2068129

Associations between participation in community arts ... Participatory arts activities might be particularly beneficial for wellbeing as they can be done in community-based groups and involve a range of active ...