Improving strength in older women using mental effort and elastic bands
The Effect of Combining Maximal Mental Effort With Elastic Band Training on Strength and Neuromuscular Adaptations in Older Females
This study is testing if older women can get stronger by using elastic bands while also focusing their mental effort during the exercises.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 45 (estimated) |
| Ages | 65 Years to 79 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Kennesaw State University Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Kennesaw, Georgia and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06099678 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the effects of combining maximal mental effort with elastic band training on strength and neuromuscular function in healthy older females. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: elastic band training, elastic band training with maximal mental effort, or a control group. Over six weeks, those in the training groups will engage in home-based sessions supervised virtually, performing a series of exercises designed to enhance strength. The study aims to determine if the addition of mental effort during training leads to greater improvements compared to training alone.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy females aged 65-79 who have not engaged in structured exercise for the past three years.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, or metabolic diseases, or those with musculoskeletal injuries may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance strength and neuromuscular function in older women, potentially improving their overall health and quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: While the combination of mental effort with physical training is a novel approach, similar studies have shown that mental imagery can enhance physical performance.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Between 65-79 years of age * Female * Have not engaged in structured exercise for 3 years * Are not reliant upon a walking aid * Be able to rise from a chair unassisted * BMI between 25-33 kg/m² * Have access to the internet and access to a smartphone or computer with a camera at home Exclusion Criteria: * Any history of cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, or metabolic diseases * Musculoskeletal injury within the past 6 months * Any condition affecting muscle function * Uncontrolled hypertension * Score less than 23 on the Mini-mental State Exam * Upon starting study, missing more than 2 training session
Where this trial is running
Kennesaw, Georgia and 1 other locations
- Kennesaw State University — Kennesaw, Georgia, United States (Recruiting)
- Kennesaw State University — Kennesaw, Georgia, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Garrett Hester, Ph.D. — Kennesaw State University
- Study coordinator: Garrett Hester, Ph.D.
- Email: ghester4@kennesaw.edu
- Phone: 470-578-4267
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.