Optimizing Strength Training in Older Adults

Launched by QUEENS COLLEGE, THE CITY UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK · Jan 31, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial, called "Optimizing Strength Training in Older Adults," is studying how lifting lighter weights, but doing more repetitions (or sets), can help improve strength and overall physical function in older adults. Specifically, researchers want to find out if this approach can increase muscle mass, power, and strength compared to a standard strength training program. If you or a loved one is 65 years or older, not currently active, and not participating in regular strength training, you might be eligible to join this study.

Participants will take part in supervised strength training sessions twice a week for 20 weeks. The study is currently looking for volunteers, and it’s important to note that certain health conditions, like serious heart or lung diseases and severe arthritis, may prevent someone from participating. This trial offers a great opportunity for older adults to potentially enhance their physical abilities while being closely monitored by health professionals.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Males and females aged 65 years and above
• • Inactive lifestyle (\< 150 min per week of moderate intensity physical activity) and not regularly participating in a structured strength training program
• • Planning to reside in the area for the duration of the study
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Severe cardiac disease, including Class III or IV congestive heart failure, clinically significant aortic stenosis, history of cardiac arrest, use of a cardiac defibrillator, or uncontrolled angina
• • Lung disease requiring either oral or injected steroids, or the use of supplemental oxygen
• • Short, portable mental status questionnaire with 3 or more errors
• • Severe arthritis (either osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis)
• • Cancer requiring treatment in the past 1 year (melanomas excluded)
• • Development of chest pain or severe shortness of breath during the 6 min self-paced walk test
• • Parkinson's disease or other serious neurological disorders
• • Renal disease requiring dialysis
• • Current diagnosis of schizophrenia, other psychotic disorders, or bipolar disorder
• • Current consumption of more than 14 alcoholic drinks per week
• • Severe lower back or shoulder pain that may worsen with weightlifting exercises
• • Undergoing physical therapy involving the lower extremities
• • Living in nursing homes, assisted living facilities or other similar institutions
• • Currently enrolled in another randomized trial involving a pharmaceutical or lifestyle intervention
• • Weight change (intentional or not) over the last 6 months of \> 5% of body weight, or plan to lose or gain weight during the study
• • Any other cardiovascular, pulmonary, orthopedic, neurologic, or other conditions that would preclude participation and successful completion of the protocol
• • Temporary Exclusion Criteria
• • A person meeting any of the following temporary exclusion criteria at the time of screening will not be enrolled but may be re-screened later.
• • Severe hypertension, e.g., SBP \> 200 mm Hg, DBP \> 110 mm Hg
• • Major surgery or fracture or hip/knee replacement within the last 6 months
• • Hospitalization within the last 6 months (excluding ER visits)