120 Participants Needed

Strength Training for Aging

SK
CS
CW
SL
Overseen BySarah Lessila
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)
Approved in 1 JurisdictionThis treatment is already approved in other countries

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

The proposed studies will assess 1) the mechanisms for the age-related increase in fatigability during dynamic exercise (Aims 1 and 2) and 2) the effectiveness of high-velocity resistance training coupled with blood flow restriction (BFR) in improving muscle power output and fatigability in older adults (Aim 3). The first two aims are cross-sectional studies comparing young (18-35 years old) and older adults (≥60 yrs old) to test our central hypothesis that the greater accumulation of metabolites and increase in fatigability in older adults is due to either age-related impairments in skeletal muscle bioenergetics (Aim 1) and/or vascular dysfunction (Aim 2). These two aims will integrate techniques to assess whole-muscle bioenergetics (31P-MRS) and in vivo vascular function (near infrared spectroscopy; NIRS and doppler ultrasonography) with in vitro assessment of single fiber bioenergetics (epifluorescence microscopy) and vasoreactivity of isolated skeletal muscle arterioles (video microscopy). We will then determine whether bioenergetics, vascular function and fatigability are altered in older men and women in response to 8 weeks of resistance exercise training of the lower limb both with and without blood flow restriction (Aim 3).

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial does not specify if you must stop taking your current medications, but it excludes those who have taken medications known to influence muscle mass or neuromuscular function in the past year. Common medications for older adults, like statins, are allowed and will be considered in the study's analysis.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Exercise, Physical Activity, Workout, Fitness Training for aging?

Research shows that regular exercise, including strength training, can improve muscle strength, reduce the risk of diseases like heart disease and diabetes, and enhance overall quality of life in older adults. It also helps maintain independence by improving functional capacity and reducing the risk of falls.12345

Is strength training safe for older adults?

Strength training is generally safe for older adults and can improve health by increasing muscle strength and bone density. While adverse events (unwanted effects) can occur, they are not common, and the benefits of strength training usually outweigh the risks.678910

How does strength training differ from other treatments for aging?

Strength training is unique because it directly targets muscle strength and mass, which can reverse age-related muscle loss (sarcopenia) and improve overall health in older adults. Unlike other treatments, it enhances physical function, reduces fall risk, and can be beneficial even for those with chronic conditions like hypertension and osteoarthritis.711121314

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for men and women aged 18-40 or over 65, without severe health issues like uncontrolled high blood pressure, diabetes, recent cancer treatment, extreme obesity (BMI ≥40), or conditions limiting exercise. Pregnant women and those on certain muscle-affecting drugs can't join.

Inclusion Criteria

I am between 18 and 40 years old.
I am older than 65 years.

Exclusion Criteria

I am currently pregnant or might be pregnant.
I haven't taken medications in the past year that affect muscle mass or nerve function.
My high blood pressure is not under control.
See 10 more

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Cross-sectional Study

Assessment of age-related increase in fatigability and mechanisms in young and older adults

4 weeks
Multiple sessions for bioenergetics and vascular function assessments

Treatment

8 weeks of resistance exercise training with and without blood flow restriction

8 weeks
Regular training sessions

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in muscle metabolism, oxygenation, volume, and vascular function

2 weeks
One session before and after training

Treatment Details

Interventions

  • Exercise
Trial OverviewThe study tests how aging affects muscle tiredness during dynamic exercises and if strength training with blood flow restriction improves muscle power in older adults. It compares younger individuals to seniors using advanced techniques to measure muscle and vascular function.
Participant Groups
2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Group I: Resistance Training OnlyExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
This leg will then perform low-load resistance training (30% of 1-RM) including 3 sets of 15 knee extensions performed as fast as possible while seated upright in a knee extension weight machine. Sets will be interspersed with 30 seconds rest. This leg will always perform the training without blood flow restriction.
Group II: Blood Flow Restriction TrainingExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
This leg will then perform low-load resistance training (30% of 1-RM) including 3 sets of 15 knee extensions performed as fast as possible while seated upright in a knee extension weight machine. Sets will be interspersed with 30 seconds rest. This leg will always perform the training with blood flow restriction.

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Marquette University

Lead Sponsor

Trials
68
Recruited
202,000+

Medical College of Wisconsin

Collaborator

Trials
645
Recruited
1,180,000+

National Institute on Aging (NIA)

Collaborator

Trials
1,841
Recruited
28,150,000+

Findings from Research

In a study involving 71 older hospitalized patients, those who participated in progressive resistance strength training showed significant improvements in walking speed and mobility tasks compared to the control group, indicating potential benefits of this training method.
While both groups improved in various functional measures, the treatment group demonstrated greater overall improvements, suggesting that adding strength training to standard care may enhance rehabilitation outcomes for older patients.
Does progressive resistance strength training as additional training have any measured effect on functional outcomes in older hospitalized patients? A single-blinded randomized controlled trial.Tibaek, S., Andersen, CW., Pedersen, SF., et al.[2019]
Improving physical fitness through exercise significantly reduces the risk of death from all causes and cardiovascular disease in sedentary older adults, highlighting the importance of physical activity for longevity.
Exercise offers numerous benefits for the geriatric population, including improved body composition, increased strength, reduced depression and arthritis pain, and lower risks of diabetes and coronary artery disease, yet many healthcare professionals feel unprepared to create effective exercise programs for their patients.
Exercise and older patients: guidelines for the clinician.Christmas, C., Andersen, RA.[2022]
Moderate- to high-quality evidence indicates that exercise significantly improves walking speed and physical performance in older adults with sarcopenia, supporting its role as an effective intervention.
While exercise may enhance muscle strength, particularly in grip strength, the improvements may not be substantial enough to meet patient-important differences, highlighting the need for further research on quality of life outcomes.
Effects of Exercise on Patients Important Outcomes in Older People With Sarcopenia: An Umbrella Review of Meta-Analyses of Randomized Controlled Trials.Shen, Y., Liu, D., Li, S., et al.[2022]

References

Does progressive resistance strength training as additional training have any measured effect on functional outcomes in older hospitalized patients? A single-blinded randomized controlled trial. [2019]
Exercise and older patients: guidelines for the clinician. [2022]
Effects of Exercise on Patients Important Outcomes in Older People With Sarcopenia: An Umbrella Review of Meta-Analyses of Randomized Controlled Trials. [2022]
Effects of resistance training on older adults. [2022]
Exercise prescription for the elderly: current recommendations. [2018]
Adverse events reported in progressive resistance strength training trials in older adults: 2 sides of a coin. [2010]
Strength training among adults aged >/=65 years--United States, 2001. [2008]
Exploring participants' perspectives on adverse events due to resistance training: a qualitative study. [2023]
Researchers' perspectives on adverse event reporting in resistance training trials: a qualitative study. [2022]
Resistance training and health in adults: an overview of systematic reviews. [2021]
11.United Statespubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Impact of strength and resistance training on cardiovascular disease risk factors and outcomes in older adults. [2013]
12.United Statespubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Exercise, nutrition, and aging. [2008]
Strength training in the elderly: effects on risk factors for age-related diseases. [2022]
[Muscle strength training in old age]. [2006]