Boosting physical reserve to help frail older adults stay resilient.
Enhancing Physical Reserve to Promote Cognitive and Physical Resilience in Physically Frail Older Adults: A 3-Month Randomized Controlled Trial
This project tests whether a 3-month program of combined aerobic and resistance exercise can increase physical reserve and help older adults with physical frailty keep their thinking and mobility skills.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 224 (estimated) |
| Ages | 60 Years to 90 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong, Hong Kong) |
| Trial ID | NCT07513701 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized controlled trial will assign 224 community-dwelling older adults with physical frailty to either a 3-month progressive, moderate-intensity combined aerobic and resistance training program (ATRT) or to usual care. Participants will complete physical performance testing (including the SPPB), cognitive screening (MoCA), and brain MRI to measure white matter hyperintensities and neural network connectivity before and after the intervention. The study will compare changes in physical reserve, neural network organization—particularly Dorsal Attention Network connectivity—and the relationships among exercise, neural networks, and functional outcomes. Investigators aim to see whether exercise-induced increases in physical reserve can moderate the impact of WMH on cognitive and physical function.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are community-dwelling older adults with physical frailty (SPPB < 9), MoCA > 18, who can walk independently, are medically cleared to exercise, have internet at home, and can provide informed consent.
Not a fit: People with dementia or prior stroke, those already doing regular strength and balance training more than twice weekly, or those with contraindications to MRI may be unlikely to benefit from this specific intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could increase physical reserve and help frail older adults better maintain cognitive function and mobility despite age-related brain changes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous trials have shown that aerobic and resistance exercise can improve physical function and some cognitive measures in older adults, but effects on neural network connectivity and on moderating WMH-related decline remain less established.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. are community-dwelling (i.e., not residing in a nursing home or extended care unit) ; 2. scored \< 9/12 on the SPPB; 3. scored \>18/30 on the MoCA; 4. are able to walk independently; use of walking aid is acceptable; 5. are able to safely engage in exercise as indicated by the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire Plus33 and confirmed by their physician; 6. have internet at home; and 7. are able to provide written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: 1. diagnosed with dementia or stroke; 2. self-report engaging in strength and balance training exercises \> two-times-per-week in the 3 months prior to screening; 3. unable to understand, speak, and read Cantonese/Chinese/English proficiently; and 4. contraindications for MRI such as MRI-incompatible implants.
Where this trial is running
Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences — Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Chun Liang HSU, PhD
- Email: chun-liang.hsu@polyu.edu.hk
- Phone: 852-27666755
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.