How biological aging affects response to strength (resistance) training in older adults
Official title: The Impact of Biological Mechanisms of Aging on Response Variability to Resistance Training in Older Adults (BRIO): A Randomized, Placebo-controlled Trial of Progressive Resistance Training in Older Adults.
Run by Mayo Clinic · NCT06940037 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will test whether biological signs of aging explain why some people 65 and older get more benefit from progressive resistance (strength) training than others.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 65 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 300 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Mayo Clinic Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Boston, Massachusetts and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 11, 2025 |
| Main results expected | August 31, 2029 |
| Study ends | August 31, 2030 |
| Registry record updated | October 5, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06940037 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are sedentary adults aged 65 or older with mild-to-moderate risk for mobility disability (SPPB >3 and ≤10), who are willing to be randomized and travel to the clinical sites for intervention and testing.
✕Probably not a fit
People with severe mobility impairment (SPPB ≤3), disabling joint pain or osteoarthritis that limits daily activity, recent major weight change, current anticoagulant therapy, or those already doing regular moderate exercise are unlikely to benefit from or be eligible for this protocol.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Older adults (age ≥65) who are sedentary and at risk for mobility disability are randomized to progressive resistance (strength) training or health education, with tests of physical function and whole-body metabolism before and after the intervention. The researchers will measure biological markers of aging (including DNA methylation and other senescence-related signals) alongside clinical and behavioral factors to see which factors predict who responds best to training. Exclusion criteria limit participation to those without severe mobility impairment, disabling joint pain, recent major weight change, or recent structured exercise, and participants must be willing to travel to the clinical sites. The work is conducted at Mayo Clinic and Tufts with support from the National Institute on Aging and aims to link molecular aging signals to real-world exercise outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could help tailor strength-training programs to older adults based on biological markers so more people improve mobility and metabolic health.
How similar studies have gone: Progressive resistance training is well established to improve strength and function in older adults, but using molecular aging markers like DNA methylation to explain individual response variability is a relatively new and less-tested approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * aged greater than or equal to 65 years * sedentary (Community Healthy Activities Model Program for Seniors physical activity questionnaire to identify and exclude persons engaged in regular (125 min/week or more) moderate intensity physical activity * at risk for mobility disability score of less than or equal to 10 (but greater than 3) on the SPPB * willing to be randomized into HE or PRT * willing to be transported or transport themselves to the clinical sites for the intervention and assessments Exclusion Criteria: * unwillingness to provide informed consent * participation in lifestyle or pharmacologic intervention trial or structured program of exercise training in the past 6 months * an SPPB score of less than or equal to 3 * osteoarthritis or condition with joint pain limiting daily life activities * significant weight loss or gain (7.5% of body weight) in past six months * current anti-coagulant or anti-platelet therapy (Coumadin, Eliquis, Pradaxa, Xarelto, heparin, Lovenox, Plavix) * clinically significant abnormality in any of the screening laboratory values, including those identified as outside of the "normal limits', that are deemed to be of concern for participation in the study by the study physician * acute or terminal illness * Mini Mental State Exam (MMSE) \<23 * myocardial infarction in the previous 6 months or other symptomatic coronary artery disease * New York Heart Association Class III or IV congestive heart failure * serious conduction disorder (e.g., 3rd degree heart block), uncontrolled arrhythmia, or new Q waves or ST-segment depressions (\>3 mm) on ECG * chronic obstructive pulmonary disease requiring oxygen therapy * upper or lower extremity fracture in the previous 6 months * uncontrolled hypertension (150/90 mm Hg) * neuromuscular diseases and/or drugs which affect neuromuscular function * current use of anabolic steroids, growth hormone, replacement androgen therapy, anti-androgen therapy * allergy to lidocaine * presence of significant liver or renal disease (eGFR \< 45 mL/min) * diagnosis of type I diabetes mellitus or insulin requiring type 2 diabetes mellitus * HbA1c \> 7% * BMI \<21 or \>35 for men or \>40 for women * excessive alcohol intake (\>14 alcoholic beverages per wk.) * current tobacco use * current participation in any interventional clinical trial * current use of weight loss medications
Where it's running
-
Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University
Boston, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting -
Mayo Clinic
Rochester, Minnesota, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Nathan LeBrasseur, Ph.D, MS — Mayo Clinic
- Study coordinator: Amanda Tweed
- Email: tweed.amanda@mayo.edu
- Phone: 507-255-6663
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.