Enhancement of Physical Fitness in Older Adults

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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Ageing is related to a decrease in physical fitness, disability and age related symptoms like nocturnal leg cramps (NLC). Our research is focused on the enhancement of physical activity and mobility to increase physical fitness and decrease disability and nocturnal cramp in older adults.

Detailed Description
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The ageing population leads to an increase of chronic disease and disability and to a decrease of physical activity and ADL performance. This circle can be reversed by physical exercise to increase physical fitness. The goal of this research is to establish the effects of a trainings program on ADL performance, physical fitness and nocturnal cramps. Furthermore the characteristics from participants who benefit from the program will be investigated by the research. The study design is a randomized intervention study. Participants are elderly people, age 65 years and older, without cognitive impairment. Intervention: The intervention is a physical trainings program. The intensity is moderate, the frequency is daily and the total duration is 6 weeks. The control group will be provided with an education program. Main parameters are: physical fitness, nocturnal cramp severity and frequency.

Official Title
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The Effectiveness of a Trainings Program on ADL Performance, Physical Fitness, Wellbeing, and Nocturnal Cramp in Elderly People

Conditions
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Pain, Physical Impairment

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: Fitness exercise program


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: For patients to be included in our study, they had to experience regular episodes of NLC and are in good mental health. The participants had to agree to the study protocol and complete the program. After eligibility was verified, written informed consent was obtained. Exclusion Criteria: Older adults taking quinine or sleep medication and those with orthopedic problems or with severe medical problems and co morbidity, which can cause muscular spasms and/or cramps.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 65 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

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: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Factorial Assignment
Masking: Single


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: exercise<br> | Other: Fitness exercise program<br>* Exercise program, daily frequency, duration of 6 weeks.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Physical fitness | Strength, balance | six weeks | 
| ADL performance | Performance based ADL test | six weeks | 
| Well being | Questionnaires like SF-36 | six weeks | 
| Nocturnal cramps | Visual analogue scale (VAS) | Six weeks | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Frequency nocturnal cramp | Number of cramp attacks per day. | Six weeks | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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older adults, exercise, stretching, mobility