Resistance Band Training for Muscle Loss and Fat Gain

(ChaREx Trial)

Overseen By Jude des Bordes, MBChB, DrPH

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston

Disqualifiers: Cognitive decline, Dementia, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 24 weeks

40 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

Do I need to stop my current medications for the trial?

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

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Chair-Based Resistance Band Training for muscle loss and fat gain?

Research shows that resistance-type exercise, like using resistance bands, helps preserve muscle mass and improve muscle strength, especially in older adults. This type of exercise is beneficial during weight loss as it helps maintain muscle while reducing fat. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is resistance band training safe for humans?

Resistance band training is generally safe, but there is a risk of injury if the bands recoil or tear, which can cause bruises, head injuries, and eye injuries. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

How does chair-based resistance band training differ from other treatments for muscle loss and fat gain?

Chair-based resistance band training is unique because it uses elastic bands to provide resistance, allowing for a wide variety of exercises that can be performed while seated. This makes it accessible for individuals with limited mobility, unlike traditional resistance training that often requires standing or specialized equipment. ^{6 11 12 13 14}

What is the purpose of this trial?

The purpose of this study is to determine the feasibility of implementing a 24-week at-home chair-based resistance band training intervention, to determine effectiveness of a the a 24-week at-home chair-based resistance band training intervention in improving body composition and to determine the effectiveness of a 24-week at-home chair-based resistance band training intervention in improving physical performance in adults 50 years and older, receiving care at the UT Physicians Center for Healthy Aging.

Research Team

Nahid Rianon, MBBS, DrPH

Principal Investigator

The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for adults aged 50 and older who are patients at the UT Physicians Center for Healthy Aging. It's designed to see if a chair-based exercise with resistance bands can be done at home and if it helps improve muscle strength, balance, and bone density.

Inclusion Criteria

English-speaking

Receive care at the UT Physician Center for Healthy Aging

Exclusion Criteria

I cannot give informed consent by myself.

I have noticeable memory or thinking problems.

I have dementia and cannot visit the clinic for scheduled study visits.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants undergo a 24-week at-home chair-based resistance band training intervention to improve balance, strength, and bone density

24 weeks

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in body composition, bone mineral density, and physical performance

6 months

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Chair-Based Resistance Band Training

Trial Overview The intervention being tested is a 24-week program where participants use THERABand resistance bands while seated in a chair. The study aims to assess its practicality at home and measure any improvements in body composition and physical performance.

Participant Groups

Group I: Chair-based resistance band training Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston

Lead Sponsor

Trials

974

Recruited

361,000+

Findings from Research

In a study involving 100 overweight and obese older adults over 10 weeks, a high protein diet alone did not significantly preserve fat-free mass (FFM) during weight loss, but when combined with resistance exercise, it led to a significant increase in FFM by 0.6 kg.

The research indicates that while a high protein diet alone may not be effective in preventing muscle loss during weight loss, combining it with resistance exercise can enhance muscle preservation in older adults.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of a high protein diet and/or resistance exercise on the preservation of fat free mass during weight loss in overweight and obese older adults: a randomized controlled trial. Verreijen, AM., Engberink, MF., Memelink, RG., et al.[2022]

Exercise resistance bands, commonly used for home workouts during the COVID-19 pandemic, can pose serious injury risks, including open skull fractures and complex eye injuries, as demonstrated in two case reports.

The first case involved a patient with a skull fracture from a recoiling band, while the second case involved ocular trauma from a tearing band, highlighting the need for caution when using these fitness tools.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Exercise Resistance Band induced injuries during Covid 19 Pandemic Lockdown Training. Heyn, J., Strohm, P., Schöffl, V.[2023]

References

1. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of elastic band resistance training and nutritional supplementation on physical performance of institutionalised elderly--A randomized controlled trial. [2022]

2. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of a high protein diet and/or resistance exercise on the preservation of fat free mass during weight loss in overweight and obese older adults: a randomized controlled trial. [2022]

3. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The impact of DXA-derived fat-free adipose tissue on the prevalence of low muscle mass in older adults. [2020]

4. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Preserving Healthy Muscle during Weight Loss. [2023]

5. France pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Intramuscular adipose tissue attenuates gains in muscle quality in older adults at high risk for falling. A brief report. [2021]

6. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Multiple-joint exercises using elastic resistance bands vs. conventional resistance-training equipment: A cross-over study. [2018]

7. Germany pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Exercise Resistance Band induced injuries during Covid 19 Pandemic Lockdown Training. [2023]

8. Germany pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of elastic band resistance training and nutritional supplementation on muscle quality and circulating muscle growth and degradation factors of institutionalized elderly women: the Vienna Active Ageing Study (VAAS). [2018]

9. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

THERABAND® CLX gold reduces knee-width index and range of motion during overhead, barbell squatting. [2021]

10. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Comparison of the Effects of 12 Weeks of 3 Types of Resistance Training (Traditional, Circular and Interval) on Pro-Inflammatory Markers in Nonathletic Men with Obesity. [2023]

11. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Optimization of resistance training using elastic bands]. [2018]

12. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Acute effects of elastic bands during the free-weight barbell back squat exercise on velocity, power, and force production. [2016]

13. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Looped Elastic Resistance during Squats: How Do Band Position and Stiffness Affect Hip Myoelectric Activity? [2022]

14. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Elastic band prediction equations for combined free-weight and elastic band bench presses and squats. [2016]