Clinical Trial: A Comparison of Weighted Vest Exercise and Strength Training

Study Status: Completed
Recruit Status: Completed
Study Type: Interventional

Official Title: Ameliorating Disability Through Power Training

Brief Summary: The purpose of this study is to evaluate two types of exercise therapy designed to improve muscle power and mobility: weighted vest exercise vs. progressive resistance training.

Detailed Summary:

Muscle power, a separate physical attribute from strength, is an important determinate of physical functioning in the elderly, for example in avoiding impending falls, rising from a chair, and climbing stairs. Muscle power, which declines with aging at a different rate than strength, has been shown in previous studies to improve through power training utilizing specially designed exercise equipment. However, weighted vest exercise could provide an acceptable, low cost, readily accessible alternative.

The hypotheses being tested in this study are: 1) weighted vest exercise will improve lower extremity power when compared to age matched controls in a standardized progressive resistance training program; 2) improvements in lower extremity power enhance functional performance as shown by improved gait velocity, stair climbing, and chair rise time; and 3) weighted vest exercise in impaired older adults will improve self-reported function and disability.

One hundred sixty-four men and women ages 65 and older, with some physical limitation but able to climb stairs independently, will be randomized to one of two 16-week exercise programs. The intervention group will participate in a weighted vest exercise protocol, consisting of chair-based and stair-climbing exercise, while the control group will participate in a standardized progressive resistance training program. Participants in both programs will meet three times per week for 30-60 minutes per session, for a total of 16 weeks, at a research exercise gym, and will be under the direct supervision of research staff.


Sponsor: National Institute on Aging (NIA)

Current Primary Outcome:

  • Leg power
  • leg strength
  • mobility
  • endurance
  • balance measured at baseline, 8 weeks, and 16 weeks


Original Primary Outcome: Same as current

Current Secondary Outcome: Disability

Original Secondary Outcome: Same as current

Information By: National Institute on Aging (NIA)

Dates:
Date Received: September 7, 2005
Date Started: July 2001
Date Completion:
Last Updated: July 23, 2010
Last Verified: July 2010