The Influence of High Impact Exercise on Musculoskeletal Health in Older Men

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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Osteoporotic fractures are an extremely common and serious public health issue which contribute substantially to pain, impaired mobility and morbidity in the elderly. Declines in bone strength combined with an increase risk of falls (associated with decline in muscular function with age) are the main determinants of fracture risk. Exercise that is novel and involves impact loading has the potential to improve bone strength and neuromuscular function (strength, power and balance). It is thus imperative to evaluate potential benefits of exercise in older people. The musculoskeletal responses to exercise may also be influenced by vitamin D status. It is the purpose of this study to consider the influence of a one year unilateral (one limb) high impact exercise programme on musculoskeletal health, specifically bone structure, muscle strength and power in older caucasian men. It is also the purpose of this study to determine whether this differs according to vitamin D status. The findings will reveal whether exercise can improve bone health and/or neuromuscular function, and whether improvements are dependent upon vitamin D status.

Official Title
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The Influence of High Impact Exercise on Musculoskeletal Health in Older Men

Conditions
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Bone Strength, Neuromuscular Function

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: Exercise


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Healthy community dwelling men of white european origin Exclusion Criteria: BMI >30 kg/m2 History of strength training or recently ( previous 12 months) doing moderate physical activity (weight bearing, high impact) Recent ( previous 12 months) or current medical or surgical problems likely to affect bone metabolism or provide contraindications to high impact exercise, balance or neuromuscular function Any previous or existing lower back or limb problems that could be exacerbated by undertaking high impact exercise Any history of diagnosed or symptomatic diseases likely to influence strength, power, bone or habitual activity (including osteomalacia or impaired liver/renal function and locomotor disease, hypertension) that influences bone or muscle or precludes exercise

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 65 Years
Maximum Age: 80 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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Male

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Basic Science
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment
Masking: Single


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Exercise leg<br> | Behavioral: Exercise<br>* multidirectional unilateral hopping exercise<br>|
| No Intervention: Control leg<br> | |

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change in femoral neck bone mineral density |  | baseline, 12 months | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change in cortical bone mineral content |  | baseline, 12 months | 
| Change in trabecular bone mineral content |  | baseline, 12 months | 
| Change in ground reaction force during hopping |  | baseline, 6 months, 12 months | 
| Change in electromyography of quadriceps during hopping |  | baseline, 6 months | 
| Change in postural sway amplitude (mm) |  | baseline, 6 months | 
| Change in leg press strength |  | baseline, 6 months | 
| Change in maximal isometric knee extensor strength |  | baseline, 6 months | 
| Change in tendon stiffness |  | baseline, 6 months |