BalL Exercises tO Prevent FrAilty in OldeR ADults (LEOPARD)

Launched by AMERICAN UNIVERSITY OF BEIRUT MEDICAL CENTER · Jun 10, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying whether a program that combines exercises using a Swiss ball (a soft, inflatable exercise ball) and personalized nutrition advice can help reduce frailty in older adults who are beginning to show signs of weakness or reduced physical ability. Frailty is a common condition in older people that makes them more vulnerable to falls, illness, and loss of independence. The study will also look at how this program affects participants’ physical strength, daily functioning, thinking skills, and overall well-being.

The trial is open to men and women between 65 and 75 years old who are considered "pre-frail," meaning they have some early signs of frailty but are still able to do basic movements like standing up from a chair and bending forward without much pain. People who have had recent serious health problems, severe heart or neurological conditions, or major mobility issues won’t be eligible. Participants will be randomly placed into two groups: one will follow the special exercise and nutrition program for three months, while the other will receive general advice about healthy eating and physical activity. Doctors who don’t know which group participants are in will check their progress at the end of three months and again three months later to see how well the program works. This study has not started recruiting yet.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• • Inclusion Criteria
• • Age between 65 and 75 years
• • Pre-frail status according to the FRAIL Scale assessment
• • Ability to rise from a chair without assistance
• • Ability to perform the Apley scratch test
• • Ability to bend forward without significant pain
• • Exclusion Criteria
• • Hospitalization within the past 3 months
• • Currently receiving oxygen therapy
• • Congestive heart failure (CHF) with an ejection fraction less than 25%
• • Severe aortic stenosis
• • Uncontrolled paroxysmal vertigo
• • Active neoplastic disease or terminal illness
• • Severe cognitive impairment
• • Neurological disorders (e.g., Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis)
• • Bedridden status
• • Major disability or mobility disorder
• • Chest pain at rest, during activities, or with physical exertion
• • History of loss of consciousness within the past 12 months
• • Medical advice to avoid vigorous physical activity