CompletedNot Applicable

Effects of Simultaneous Balance and Resistance Training in Older Adults

Germany75 participantsStarted 2014-02

Plain-language summary

Aging results in a gradual decline of physical abilities and consequently in functional impairments which increases the risk of falls in elderly people. It has been shown, that balance and resistance training can counteract the effects of aging. The aim of this study was to investigate effects of instability resistance training (IRT), combining balance and resistance training, on measures of muscle strength / power and balance for falls in healthy community-dwelling older adults. Therefore 75 elderly people, aged 65 - 80 years (Mage = 70.4; SD = 4.3 years) were assigned into three intervention groups: machine-based (M-RT), machine-based instability (M-IRT), free weight instability resistance training (F-IRT). All three groups exercised over 10-weeks with two training sessions per week. Assessment of muscle strength (e.g. maximal isometric leg extension strength), power (e.g. chair rise test) and balance (e.g. gait, functional reach test) was conducted before and after training. Based on the principle of training specificity, it is assumed, that groups to improve better within their respective training modality. Thus, the investigators hypothesis that regarding measures of strength and power, M-RT performs better than M-IRT, performs better than F-IRT. As to measures of balance, we hypothesis that F-IRT performs better that M-IRT, performs better than M-RT.

Who can participate

Age range

65 Years – 80 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * ability to walk independently without any gait aid Exclusion Criteria: * pathological ratings of the Clock Drawing Test (CDT), * Mini-Mental-State-Examination (MMSE, \< 24 points), * Falls Efficacy Scale - International (FES-I, \> 24 points), * Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS, \> 9 points), * Freiburg Questionnaire of Physical Activity (FQoPA, \< 1hour) * Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB-D, \< 18 points) * any neurological, musculoskeletal or heart-related disease

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Maximal isometric leg extension strength (ILES)

Timeframe: Pre test -> Intervention (10 weeks) -> Post test (within 2-5 days after the intervention)

Trial details

NCT IDNCT02555033

SponsorUniversity of Kassel

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2014-09

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Muscle Weakness trials