High Intensity Interval Training to Improve Health in Older Veterans

High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) to Reduce Frailty and Enhance Resilience in Older Veterans

Not applicable Interventional VA Office of Research and Development · NCT05625204

This study tests if high intensity interval training can help older veterans feel stronger and more resilient compared to just doing stretching exercises.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages65 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorVA Office of Research and Development Federal
Locations2 sites (Kansas City, Missouri and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05625204 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effects of high intensity interval training (HIIT) on reducing frailty and enhancing resilience in older veterans. The study will compare center-based and home-based HIIT interventions against a control group that only performs stretching exercises. Researchers aim to assess improvements in functional capacity and identify biomarkers associated with resilience in this population. The trial addresses a significant gap in evidence-based therapies for older adults, particularly veterans, who are at a higher risk of frailty.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are older veterans aged 60 and above who are medically cleared for exercise and classified as non-frail or pre-frail.

Not a fit: Patients with severe co-morbidities or significant cognitive impairment may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide older veterans with effective strategies to enhance their resilience and reduce the risk of frailty-related health issues.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with HIIT in improving health outcomes in older adults, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Ages 65 years and older
* Male and female, any race
* Medically cleared for exercise
* Non-frail or pre-frail (frailty score \< 3)
* Ability to use a recumbent exercise bike

Exclusion Criteria:

* Severe co-morbidity: COPD (GOLD stage IV), CKD ( stage 3)), severe HTN (180 mmHg/120 mmHg)
* VA-SLUMS score 20 or lower (Cognition)

Where this trial is running

Kansas City, Missouri and 1 other locations

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.
Conditions Frailtyagingfrailtyveteranfunctional capacityresiliencecognitionsleep
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.