Clinical Trial: Effects Resistance Training on Motor Control and Cognition

Study Status: Enrolling by invitation
Recruit Status: Enrolling by invitation
Study Type: Interventional

Official Title: Effects of Different Resistance Training Methods on Strength, Motor Control and Executive Functions in Older Adults

Brief Summary: It is well documented that both balance and resistance training have the potential to mitigate intrinsic fall risk factors in older adults. Recently, it was shown that a simultaneously executed balance and resistance training, namely resistance training on uneven surfaces is an eligible, effective and safe alternative training program to mitigate intrinsic fall risk factors in older adults. However, knowledge about the effects of specific adductor and abductor training has advantages over traditional resistance training and resistance training on unstable surfaces regarding forward propulsion. Further, the effects of different kinds of resistance training on cognition, especially embodiment is investigated.

Detailed Summary:

Introduction: In the course of ageing, physical abilities decline and consequently there is an increase in risk of falling and fall incidences. Notwithstanding, the fact that causes of falls are multifactorial, losses in lower-extremity muscle strength, power and balance seem to be the most prominent intrinsic (i.e., person-related) fall risk factors in older adults. Several systematic reviews and meta-analyses highlighted the positive effects of resistance and balance training when applied as a single means, on measures of leg muscle strength, power and balance in older adults. Recently, it was shown that a simultaneously executed balance and resistance training, namely resistance training on uneven surfaces is an eligible, effective and safe alternative training program to mitigate intrinsic fall risk factors in older adults. Based on several investigations, it can be safely assumed that exercises conducted on unstable devices activate smaller muscles and stabilising function of bigger muscle groups. This facilitates torque and power transfer from lower to upper extremeties and is possibly responsible for similar effects as compared to stable resistance training despite lower loads. However, it is unknown if resistance training targeting adductor and abductor muscles induces similar results as compared to resistance training conducted on uneven surfaces. Moreover, physical activity has proven to affect cognitive measures positively, especially executive functions. It has yet to be determined to what extent different kinds of resistance training affect executive functions.

Methods/Design: This study is a three-arm, 10-week RCT with a 10-week no-contact follow-up. Participants were randomly allocated (1:1) to either: 1) machine-based stable resistance training (M-SRT); 2) free-weight unstable resistance training (F-URT); 3) machine-based adductor and abductor resistance t
Sponsor: University of Kassel

Current Primary Outcome: Clinical Gait Analysis [ Time Frame: Pre test -> Intervention (10 weeks) -> Post test (within 2-5 days after the intervention) ]

changes in variance components (Vucm, Vort, Vtot) of an uncontrolled manifold analysis; measured in rad²


Original Primary Outcome: Same as current

Current Secondary Outcome:

  • Maximal isometric leg extension strength (ILES) [ Time Frame: Pre test -> Intervention (10 weeks) -> Post test (within 2-5 days after the intervention) ]
    change in isometric strength, measured in N
  • Fall self-efficacy Questionnaire [ Time Frame: Pre test -> Intervention (10 weeks) -> Post test (within 2-5 days after the intervention) ]
    change in anxiety score
  • Proactivec Balance (timed up and go test) [ Time Frame: Pre test -> Intervention (10 weeks) -> Post test (within 2-5 days after the intervention) ]
    change in leg strength and procative balance (seconds)
  • Maximal isometric adductor and abductor strength [ Time Frame: Pre test -> Intervention (10 weeks) -> Post test (within 2-5 days after the intervention) ]
    change in isometric strength, measured in N
  • Stroop Task [ Time Frame: Pre test -> Intervention (10 weeks) -> Post test (within 2-5 days after the intervention) ]
    change in reaction time to congruent and incongruent stimuli (ms)
  • Proactivec Balance (multidirectional reach test) [ Time Frame: Pre test -> Intervention (10 weeks) -> Post test (within 2-5 days after the intervention) ]
    change in proactive balance (cm)
  • Power tests (chair rise test) [ Time Frame: Pre test -> Intervention (10 weeks) -> Post test (within 2-5 days after the intervention) ]
    change in muscle power (seconds)


Original Secondary Outcome: Same as current

Information By: University of Kassel

Dates:
Date Received: January 4, 2017
Date Started: January 2017
Date Completion: August 2017
Last Updated: January 9, 2017
Last Verified: January 2017