Power vs Strength Training for Preventing Falls in Older Adults
(HIPS Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to determine whether power or strength training better prevents falls in older adults. Researchers focus on enhancing muscle power and balance to reduce falls, particularly during sideways steps. Participants will engage in either power training, involving fast-paced exercises, or strength training, which emphasizes slower, controlled movements. Individuals aged 65 or older, living independently, and in good health may be suitable for this study. As an unphased trial, it offers participants the chance to contribute to valuable research that could improve fall prevention strategies for older adults.
Do I need to stop my current medications for the trial?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, if you are using sedatives, you would not be eligible to participate.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
Research has shown that both power training and strength training are generally safe for older adults. Power training, which involves quick, intense exercises, improves physical function without major safety concerns. It enhances balance and muscle power, crucial for preventing falls.
Strength training is well-tolerated and effectively boosts muscle strength, reducing fall risk. Older adults often experience improved muscle function and overall ability with regular strength training.
Both training types use exercises considered safe, especially with supervision or guidance. While no activity is entirely risk-free, previous research has demonstrated these training methods to be beneficial and safe for older individuals.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about these training methods because they offer innovative approaches to preventing falls in older adults. Power training focuses on enhancing muscle power by using fast, explosive movements during resistance exercises, which can improve reaction time and stability. In contrast, strength training emphasizes building muscle strength through slower, controlled movements, potentially increasing overall muscle endurance. Unlike traditional fall prevention strategies, which often rely on balance exercises or medication, these methods target specific muscle groups and execution speeds, potentially leading to more effective fall prevention. Both approaches aim to address the root causes of falls, offering the promise of enhancing mobility and safety for older adults.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for preventing falls in older adults?
Research has shown that both power and strength training can help prevent falls in older adults. In this trial, participants will join either the Power Training arm or the Strength Training arm. Studies have found that muscle power (how fast muscles can work) is more crucial than muscle strength (how much force muscles can produce) in predicting falls. Power Training, which includes quick, high-speed exercises, may be more effective at reducing falls by improving balance and quick reactions. Strength Training, involving slower, controlled movements, also aids by building muscle strength, which is linked to fewer falls. Both types of training are beneficial, but focusing on speed in Power Training might provide an extra advantage in preventing falls.16789
Who Is on the Research Team?
Vicki L Gray, PhD
Principal Investigator
University of Maryland, Baltimore
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for individuals who are 65 or older, living independently in the community, and generally healthy. They must be able to function on their own without assistance. People with significant medical conditions like neurological impairments, severe musculoskeletal issues, diabetes, kidney or liver diseases; those taking sedatives; non-ambulatory individuals; or those with cognitive impairment (scoring below 24 on the Mini Mental Score Exam) cannot participate.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants undergo hip abductor-adductor resistance exercises, either power or strength training, for 12 weeks
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in muscle power and incidence of falls
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Power Training
- Strength Training
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Maryland, Baltimore
Lead Sponsor
VA Maryland Health Care System
Collaborator