Effects of Low-Speed and High-Speed Resistance Training Programs on Frailty Status

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The present study refers to a three-arm randomized controlled trial that investigated the effects of two types of RT on frailty status, physical performance, cognitive function, and blood pressure of prefrail and frail older adults.

Official Title
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Effects of Low-Speed and High-Speed Resistance Training Programs on Frailty Status, Physical Performance, Cognitive Function, and Blood Pressure in Prefrail and Frail Older Adults

Conditions
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Frailty

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: Physical Exercise


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: a) aged 60 years or over; b) were prefrail or frail according to Fried's criteria; c) performed the sit-to-stand test alone, with a mobility aid, or researcher's help; d) possessed sufficient physical and cognitive abilities to perform exercise sessions; and e) had a physician authorization to participate. Exclusion Criteria: Exclusion criteria included having participated in a structured physical exercise training program in the past six months, prescription of hormone replacement therapy and/or psychotropic drugs, and any unstable cardiovascular event (e.g., myocardial infarction) or complication in the past 6 months.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 60 Years
Maximum Age: 99 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: Parallel Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: High-Speed Resistance Training<br>Participants performed exercises 8 times (sets) with 3-5 repetitions at 70%-75% of the maximal strength. | Behavioral: Physical Exercise<br>* Exercise interventions were carried out over a total of 16 weeks in the mornings (08:00 am-12:00 am) under the supervision of at least two fitness instructors. Participants performed four exercises for lower limbs (Figure 9): 1st) squat on the chair, 2nd) seated unilateral hip flexion, 3rd) seated unilateral knee extension, and 4th) bilateral calf raise with 12-15 submaximal repetitions avoiding fatigue (i.e., inability to complete a repetition in a full range of motion). The number of sets was increased linearly during the first month, such that one set was performed in the 1st week, two sets in the 2nd week, 3 sets in the 3rd week, and 4 sets in the 4th week. Subsequently, participants performed the main exercise period. After a brief warm-up, participants performed the same exercises that were performed during the familiarization period using an adjustable weight vest and ankle weights (DOMYOS®, Shangai, China).<br>* Other names: Resistance Training;|
| Experimental: Low-Speed Resistance Training<br>Participants performed exercises 4 times (sets) with 8-10 repetitions at 70%-75% of the maximal strength. | Behavioral: Physical Exercise<br>* Exercise interventions were carried out over a total of 16 weeks in the mornings (08:00 am-12:00 am) under the supervision of at least two fitness instructors. Participants performed four exercises for lower limbs (Figure 9): 1st) squat on the chair, 2nd) seated unilateral hip flexion, 3rd) seated unilateral knee extension, and 4th) bilateral calf raise with 12-15 submaximal repetitions avoiding fatigue (i.e., inability to complete a repetition in a full range of motion). The number of sets was increased linearly during the first month, such that one set was performed in the 1st week, two sets in the 2nd week, 3 sets in the 3rd week, and 4 sets in the 4th week. Subsequently, participants performed the main exercise period. After a brief warm-up, participants performed the same exercises that were performed during the familiarization period using an adjustable weight vest and ankle weights (DOMYOS®, Shangai, China).<br>* Other names: Resistance Training;|
| No Intervention: Control Group<br>No activities | |

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Frailty Status | Frailty status will be assessed using the Fried Frailty Phenotype Scale published in 2001. | 16 weeks | 
| Physical Performance | Physical Performance will be assessed using the sit-to-stand test. | 16 weeks | 
| Cognitive Function | Cognition will be assessed using the Mini Mental State Examination | 16 weeks | 
| Blood Pressure |  | 16 weeks |