Aquatic exercise for older adults with sarcopenia
Effects of Aquatic Exercise Program on Muscle Strength, Muscle Mass, Physical Performance and Quality of Life in Older Adults With Sarcopenia: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This study will try a 6-week supervised pool-based exercise program to see if it improves muscle strength, muscle size, walking speed, mood, and quality of life in people aged 65 and older with sarcopenia.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 44 (estimated) |
| Ages | 65 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Gaziosmanpasa Research and Education Hospital Government |
| Locations | 2 sites (Istanbul, Istanbul and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT07575958 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized trial enrolls adults 65 and older with definite sarcopenia and assigns them to a supervised 6-week pool-based exercise program or a home exercise program. Outcomes include muscle strength (handgrip, Five Times Chair Stand), muscle mass by bioelectrical impedance, gait speed, balance (Berg Balance Scale, Timed Up and Go), and overall physical performance (SPPB). Anterior thigh muscle thickness will be measured by ultrasound and summarized with the Sonographic Thigh Adjustment Ratio (STAR), and mood and health-related quality of life will be measured with the Geriatric Depression Scale and SF-36. Supervised sessions and baseline/follow-up assessments are conducted at two hospitals in Istanbul.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are ambulatory adults aged 65 or older with 'definite sarcopenia' per the ISarcoPRM algorithm who can follow instructions, are not receiving nutritional supplementation, and are medically cleared for hydrotherapy.
Not a fit: People with severe cardiopulmonary disease, uncontrolled hypertension or diabetes, severe cognitive or sensory impairments, contraindications to hydrotherapy, or those already on nutritional supplementation are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could provide a lower-impact, safer way to build strength and improve mobility and quality of life for older adults with sarcopenia.
How similar studies have performed: Some prior studies of aquatic resistance or hydrotherapy in older adults report improvements in strength and function, but randomized evidence specifically in confirmed sarcopenia is limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age ≥65 years 2. Diagnosis of "definite sarcopenia" according to the ISarcoPRM diagnostic algorithm 3. Not receiving nutritional supplementation and not requiring nutritional support according to the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) 4. Sufficient cognitive ability to understand and follow instructions, including study-related questions and the home exercise program 5. Voluntary participation in the study 6. Ability to ambulate independently (assistive devices such as a cane are allowed; however, fully dependent individuals will be excluded) Exclusion Criteria: 1. Inability to complete assessment tests and questionnaires 2. Presence of severe systemic disease that may contraindicate exercise 3. Severe visual or hearing impairment 4. Presence of a cardiac pacemaker 5. Severe cardiopulmonary disease 6. Uncontrolled hypertension 7. Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus 8. Receiving nutritional supplementation 9. Severe anemia 10. Conditions contraindicating hydrotherapy, including aquaphobia (fear of water), behavioral disorders, dyspnea at rest, urinary or fecal incontinence, known chlorine allergy, open wounds, acute systemic illness, epilepsy, tracheostomy, indwelling drainage devices, and immunodeficiency
Where this trial is running
Istanbul, Istanbul and 1 other locations
- Gaziosmanpasa Research and Education Hospital — Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
- University of Health Sciences Gaziosmanpaşa Training and Research Hospital — Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Seda Aydin, Md
- Email: Sedaaydin40@hotmail.com
- Phone: +905530170977
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.