High-Intensity Interval Training for Sarcopenia

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Creighton University

Disqualifiers: Severe mental impairment, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 18

Duration: 9 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores how high-intensity interval training (HIIT) can improve muscle health in individuals with sarcopenia, a condition where muscles weaken and shrink with age. Over nine weeks, participants will attend HIIT classes at a community gym twice a week. The researchers aim to determine if these workouts can enhance heart health, balance, strength, and muscle quality. Individuals who can walk 100 feet without assistance and have no serious mental challenges or exercise restrictions may find this trial suitable. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to understanding the benefits of exercise on muscle health in aging.

Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

What prior data suggests that this high-intensity interval training is safe for sarcopenia?

Research has shown that High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is generally safe for most people, including older adults. Studies have found that HIIT strengthens muscles and improves overall health. In terms of safety, HIIT is well-tolerated, meaning most people can engage in it without major issues.

One study focused on older adults found that HIIT improved heart and muscle health, suggesting it can help with conditions like sarcopenia, which involves muscle loss. While HIIT can be intense, starting at a comfortable level and gradually increasing the effort is important.

Overall, HIIT is a safe and effective way to enhance muscle and heart health. Consulting a healthcare provider before starting any new exercise program is always advisable. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is unique because it offers a non-pharmaceutical approach to combating sarcopenia. Unlike traditional treatments, which might involve resistance training or supplements like protein and amino acids, HIIT focuses on short bursts of intense exercise followed by rest. This method is thought to efficiently stimulate muscle growth and improve physical function in a way that traditional steady-state exercises might not. Researchers are excited because HIIT could provide a time-efficient, accessible, and potentially more engaging alternative to improve muscle health for those dealing with age-related muscle loss.

What evidence suggests that high-intensity interval training is effective for sarcopenia?

Research has shown that high-intensity interval training (HIIT), which participants in this trial will undergo, can help treat sarcopenia, a condition where muscles weaken and shrink with age. In one study, 75% of people with sarcopenia improved after doing HIIT. Another study found that HIIT not only boosts muscle strength but also helps prevent muscle loss. These workouts involve short bursts of intense exercise followed by rest, improving muscle function and physical performance more than moderate exercise. Overall, HIIT offers a promising approach to addressing muscle loss and weakness. ^{1 2 3 4 6}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for individuals with sarcopenia, which is the loss of muscle mass and strength that happens with age. Participants should be interested in attending a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) class twice a week at a community gym for 9 weeks.

Inclusion Criteria

No contraindications to exercise (PAR-Q+)

Do not have severe mental impairment (>14 on the SAGE)

I can walk 100 feet on my own without help.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

Treatment

Participants engage in a 9-week high-intensity interval training (HIIT) class using functional movements within a community-based gym, twice a week.

9 weeks

18 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• High-Intensity Interval Training

Trial Overview The study tests how effective HIIT classes are on improving cardiovascular endurance, balance, strength, and muscle size and quality in people with sarcopenia. Progress will be measured weekly during the course of the program.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: High-Intensity Interval Training Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Creighton University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

128

Recruited

25,800+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9152764/

High Intensity Interval Training: A Potential Method for ... High volume training is more effective in improving muscle size, which seems to be more suitable for bodybuilders than sarcopenia patients. The ...

2. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S135380202300980X

Effects of high-intensity interval training and moderate ... 75% (3/4) of sarcopenic participants in the high-intensity interval training group showed improved sarcopenia. •. Sarcopenia did not improve in sarcopenic ...

3. bmcsportsscimedrehabil.biomedcentral.com bmcsportsscimedrehabil.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13102-025-01176-5

The effectiveness of a high-intensity interval exercise on ... These intense workouts performed at 80–95% of maximum heart rate and combined with low-intensity recovery periods yield effective results in a ...

4. frontiersin.org frontiersin.org/journals/physiology/articles/10.3389/fphys.2021.715044/full

High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) as a Potential ... HIIT was generally effective in Improving muscle function and physical performance compared to non-exercised controls, moderate intensity ...

5. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10931549/

Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training on Muscle ... The main finding of our analysis is that HIIT is effective in increasing muscle strength and in the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia in ...

6. academic.oup.com academic.oup.com/eurjpc/advance-article/doi/10.1093/eurjpc/zwaf432/8202987

Influence of exercise and nutrition on sarcopenia in ... Although ExT does not generally promote muscle hypertrophy, it is safe and promotes muscle health, cardiorespiratory fitness, and quality of life scores in ...