How short power-training sessions affect muscle power and movement in older adults.
Acute Neuromuscular and Physiological Responses to Different Velocity Loss Thresholds During Power Training in Older Adults
This test will try three leg-press power-training sessions with different fatigue levels to see which approach is safest and most helpful for adults aged 65–85.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 42 (estimated) |
| Ages | 65 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Hasselt University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Diepenbeek, Flanders) |
| Trial ID | NCT07522398 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Healthy adults aged 65 to 85 will complete three supervised power-training sessions on a pneumatic leg press about one week apart, with each session designed to produce a different level of fatigue. Researchers will measure acute changes in strength, movement, and neuromuscular function before and after each session, and will track recovery, muscle soreness, and perceived exertion. Participants will not need prior resistance training experience and will be screened for cardiovascular and musculoskeletal safety. The crossover design lets each participant serve as their own control to compare immediate responses to varying fatigue targets.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Healthy, independently living adults aged 65–85 who have not regularly done resistance training in the past year and who have physician clearance for exercise are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Those with unstable heart or neurological disease, acute infection, recent lower-limb injury or joint replacement, or recent use of NSAIDs or certain supplements may be excluded and unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could guide safer and more effective power-training plans that improve leg power and mobility while minimizing soreness or overfatigue in older adults.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research shows power training can improve strength and mobility in older adults, but acute comparisons of different fatigue levels during power training are less well established.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: Participants must: * Be 65 to 85 years old. * Be able to live independently and perform everyday activities without help. * Not have regularly done resistance or strength training in the past year. * Be able to understand study instructions and communicate in the study language. * Have a recent statement from their treating physician confirming that their heart and blood vessels are healthy enough to safely take part in this study. Exclusion criteria Participants will not be eligible if they have any of the following: * Unstable heart disease, neurological disease, acute infection, or fever. * Use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, in the 5 days before the study. * Use of whey protein, casein, or amino acid supplements in the month before the study. * Acute or chronic injuries to the legs or lower body muscles. * Any injury or condition that prevents safe leg extension exercises. * Recent lower-limb joint replacement (less than 6 months ago). * Dependence on walking aids. * Current participation in another interventional trial.
Where this trial is running
Diepenbeek, Flanders
- REVAL - Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences — Diepenbeek, Flanders, Belgium (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Evelien Van Roie, PhD — Hasselt University, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences
- Study coordinator: Max Riesbeck, Master of Science
- Email: max.riesbeck@uhasselt.be
- Phone: +32 11 26 84 93
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.