Elastic-band exercises to build strength and lower depression in hospitalized older adults

Effects of Elastic Band Resistance Exercise on Muscle Strength and Depression in Hospitalized Elderly Patients.

This program will test whether a five-day, low-resistance elastic band exercise routine can increase muscle mass and strength and reduce fear of falling and depression in hospitalized people aged 65 and older.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 62 (estimated)
• Ages: 65 Years and up
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: National Taiwan University (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Taipei, Taiwan)
• Trial ID: NCT06205147 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Hospitalized adults aged 65 and older are randomized to either a five-day elastic band resistance program or usual care in a randomized controlled design. The intervention delivers two 20-minute low-resistance sessions per day for five days (200 minutes total) focusing on upper- and lower-limb exercises with elastic bands. Muscle mass and limb strength are measured with non-invasive instruments and grip strength recorded in kilograms, and participants complete questionnaires on fear of falling and geriatric depression. Enrollment requires the ability to follow instructions and an expected hospital stay longer than seven days, while patients with serious cardiac, neurological, or cognitive conditions are excluded.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are hospitalized people aged 65 or older who can follow instructions, are expected to remain hospitalized more than seven days, and meet minimum limb strength and grip strength thresholds (≥3/5 limb strength and grip ≥26 kg for men or ≥18 kg for women).

Not a fit: Patients with unstable cardiac disease, poorly controlled blood pressure, acute neurological injuries, cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s, long-term ventilator dependence, or very short hospital stays are unlikely to benefit or will be excluded.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the program could help hospitalized older adults regain muscle mass and strength faster and reduce fear of falling and depressive symptoms.

How similar studies have performed: Previous outpatient and community elastic-band resistance programs have improved strength and mood in older adults, but intensive five-day programs in hospitalized patients have been less well tested.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age of 65 years or older.
2. Anticipated hospital stay exceeding 7 days.
3. Able to follow instructions.
4. Four-limb muscle strength of at least three points, and grip strength measurements with a minimum of 26 kilograms for males and 18 kilograms for females.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. This includes individuals with cardiovascular diseases such as acute myocardial infarction, unstable angina, poorly controlled arrhythmias, complete atrioventricular block, acute heart failure, acute myocarditis, acute pericarditis, and other cardiac conditions.
2. Poorly controlled hypertension, with systolic blood pressure less than 90 mmHg or greater than 200 mmHg under medication.
3. Individuals hospitalized due to acute neurological injuries or conditions, such as epilepsy, stroke, or Parkinson's disease.
4. Diagnosed with cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's disease.
5. Those who require long-term ventilator support and are unable to participate in the program.
6. Individuals with impaired consciousness who cannot cooperate.
7. A Glasgow Coma Scale score of less than 12, or inability to correctly answer questions about person, time, place, or follow instructions.

Where this trial is running

Taipei, Taiwan

• School of Nursing of National Taiwan University — Taipei, Taiwan, Taiwan (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: PIAO-YI CHIOU, doctoral

Conditions: Resistance Exercise, Muscle Weakness, Functional Decline, resistance exercise, hospitalized elderly, muscle strength, depression, Functional decline