Comparing supervised and unsupervised exercise programs for older adults

Efficacy and Cost-effectiveness of Supervised Center-based Versus Unsupervised Home-based Training Programs in Older Adults: the PRO-Training Randomized Controlled Trial

NA · University of Castilla-La Mancha · NCT05619250

This study tests whether older adults feel better and stay active with supervised exercise at a center compared to working out on their own at home.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment120 (estimated)
Ages60 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Castilla-La Mancha (other)
Locations1 site (Toledo, Castilla-La Mancha/Toledo)
Trial IDNCT05619250 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This trial investigates the effectiveness of supervised center-based exercise programs versus unsupervised home-based exercise programs in older adults aged 60-75. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of five groups, including variations with and without motivational interventions. The study aims to assess safety, adherence, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness of these exercise approaches to improve physical and mental health. The trial addresses the challenges older adults face in accessing supervised training due to economic and logistical barriers.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are older adults aged 60-75 who can walk independently and use mobile applications.

Not a fit: Patients with acute or terminal illnesses or significant medical conditions that limit their ability to participate in exercise programs may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance physical activity levels and overall health in older adults, potentially reducing morbidity and mortality risks.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown positive outcomes with supervised exercise programs, but this specific comparison with motivational components is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* People aged between 60 and 75 years old.
* Being able to speak and read fluent Spanish.
* Being able to walk independently.
* Being physically able to participate in an exercise program.
* Having a smartphone and being able to understand and use mobile applications autonomously.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Acute or terminal illness.
* Myocardial infarction, coronary artery bypass grafting, angioplasty, angina, or other cardiac condition in the past year.
* Uncontrolled medical problems that the general practitioner considers would preclude patients from undertaking the exercise program (e.g., acute systemic illness such as pneumonia, acute rheumatoid arthritis, and acute or unstable heart failure).
* Conditions requiring a specialized physical exercise program (e.g., uncontrolled epilepsy, significant neurological disease or impairment, inability to maintain an upright seated position or unable to move independently, multiple sclerosis, cancer, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
* General practitioner-diagnosed hypertension that has not been controlled.
* Type I Diabetes or uncontrolled Type II Diabetes.
* History of major psychiatric illness including schizophrenia, generalized anxiety disorder, or depression according to the DSM-5.
* Morbid obesity (body mass index \>39)
* Three or more self-reported falls in the last year.
* Not living in the community (e.g., living in nursing homes).
* Having participated in an exercise program during the 6 months prior to the study.
* Diagnosis of COVID-19 with hospitalization in intensive care unit.
* Any other consideration that interferes with the study aims and could be a risk to the participant, at the discretion of the researcher and the general practitioner.

Where this trial is running

Toledo, Castilla-La Mancha/Toledo

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Physical Inactivity, Healthy, Older Adult, Aging, Exercise, Physical activity, Supervised, Center-based

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.