Clinical trial NCT07023146: Effects of Different Power Training Intensities in Older Adults
Official title: Adaptations Due to Different Intensities of Power Training on Neuromuscular Performance, Muscle Thickness and Functional Capacity in Elderly People: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Study type: INTERVENTIONAL
Overall status: ENROLLING_BY_INVITATION
Phase: NA
Conditions: Investigating the Effects of Power Training in the Elderly
Keywords: Aging
resistance training
functional capacity
muscle strength
muscle hypertrophy
Lead sponsor: Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul
Sponsor class: OTHER
First posted: 2025-06-15
Enrollment: 70
Sex: ALL
Minimum age (years): 60
Standard ages: ADULT
OLDER_ADULT
Accepts healthy volunteers: yes
Allocation: RANDOMIZED
Intervention model: PARALLEL
Intervention model description: The methodological procedures of this project will be carried out at the UFRGS facilities, on the campus of the School of Physical Education, Physiotherapy and Dance (ESEFID) and at LAPEX. After two weeks of familiarization, in order to guarantee the reproducibility and reliability of the methodological procedures, the participants will be randomized electronically (randomizer.org.br) to perform low to moderate intensity (PTLM; 40-60% of 1-repetition maximum \[1RM\]) and moderate to high intensity (PTMH; 65-80% of 1RM).
Primary purpose: PREVENTION

Brief summary: Power (strength × velocity) is a crucial component for maintaining independence during aging. Therefore, investigating interventions aimed at improving this physical capacity is essential for this population. The aim of this study is to examine the effects of power training (PT) performed at low to moderate intensity (PTLM; 40-60% of 1-repetition maximum \[1RM\]) and moderate to high intensity (PTMH; 65-80% of 1RM) on muscle power, kinematic gait parameters, strength, muscle thickness, and functional performance in older adults. Participants will be randomly assigned to perform PTLM and PTMH. Data collection will occur before and after familiarization, as well as at weeks 8 and 16 of the training programs. Participants will undergo a series of tests in the following sequence: 1) muscle thickness and 1RM test; 2) muscle power, maximum voluntary contraction, and rate of force development; 3) functional performance. The primary analyses will be conducted on an intention-to-treat basis, comparing the effects of the interventions and groups over time. Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) will be used, considering the factors of group (2 levels) and time (3 levels). Paired comparisons will be assessed using the Bonferroni post-hoc test to identify significant differences between groups and time points. All tests will be performed using JASP software (version 0.16.4.0), with statistical significance set at p \< 0.05 for all analyses.


Eligibility criteria: Inclusion criteria:

* Age 60 years or older
* No participation in regular and systematic resistance training in the last three months
* No absolute or relative contraindications to exercise
* No musculoskeletal injuries that could interfere with training and assessments

Exclusion criteria:

* Use of steroids, nutritional supplements, or ergogenic substances
* Failure to complete all study phases
* Failure to complete more than 80% of the training sessions (32 sessions)

Primary outcomes:
measure: Muscle Power
timeFrame: Pre- and post-intervention (16 weeks of training)
measure: Muscle Strength
timeFrame: Pre- and post-intervention (16 weeks of training)
measure: Rate of Force Development
timeFrame: Pre- and post-intervention (16 weeks of training)
Secondary outcomes:
measure: Functional Capacity
timeFrame: Pre- and post-intervention (16 weeks of training)
measure: Muscle hypertrophy
timeFrame: Pre- and post-intervention (16 weeks of training)
measure: Cognitive Capacity
timeFrame: Pre- and post-intervention (16 weeks of training)
Other outcomes:
Locations:
city: Porto Alegre
country: Brazil
facility: Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS)
state: RS
Study officials:
References:
citation: Martinikorena I, Martinez-Ramirez A, Gomez M, Lecumberri P, Casas-Herrero A, Cadore EL, Millor N, Zambom-Ferraresi F, Idoate F, Izquierdo M. Gait Variability Related to Muscle Quality and Muscle Power Output in Frail Nonagenarian Older Adults. J Am Med Dir Assoc. 2016 Feb;17(2):162-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jamda.2015.09.015. Epub 2015 Nov 11.
citation: Mc Dermott EJ, Balshaw TG, Brooke-Wavell K, Maden-Wilkinson TM, Folland JP. Fast and ballistic contractions involve greater neuromuscular power production in older adults during resistance exercise. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2022 Jul;122(7):1639-1655. doi: 10.1007/s00421-022-04947-x. Epub 2022 Apr 16.
citation: Bandeira-Guimaraes M, Blanco-Rambo E, Vieira AF, Saez de Asteasu ML, Pinto RS, Izquierdo M, Cadore EL. Chronic Effects of Different Intensities of Power Training on Neuromuscular Parameters in Older People: A Systematic Review with Meta-analysis. Sports Med Open. 2023 Oct 24;9(1):98. doi: 10.1186/s40798-023-00646-9.
citation: de Vos NJ, Singh NA, Ross DA, Stavrinos TM, Orr R, Fiatarone Singh MA. Optimal load for increasing muscle power during explosive resistance training in older adults. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2005 May;60(5):638-47. doi: 10.1093/gerona/60.5.638.