Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 and up

Investigating how different focus strategies during strength training affect gait in older adults

Official title: Strength Training for Gait Rehabilitation in Older Adults: Insights From Neuroscience

Run by Egas Moniz - Cooperativa de Ensino Superior, CRL · NCT06538766 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing how different ways of focusing during strength training can improve walking and movement in healthy older adults.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment45 (estimated)
SponsorEgas Moniz - Cooperativa de Ensino Superior, CRL
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Monte de Caparica, Almada)
StatusRecruiting
StartedApril 1, 2024
Main results expectedApril 30, 2026
Study endsApril 30, 2026
Registry record updatedSeptember 18, 2025
Trial IDNCT06538766 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates for this study are healthy older adults who can walk unassisted and do not have significant medical conditions affecting their mobility.

Probably not a fit

Patients with severe cardiovascular or pulmonary diseases, neurological disorders, or those who have experienced falls in the past year may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to explore the impact of various focus of attention strategies during strength training on plantar flexor force and gait parameters in healthy older adults. Researchers will compare the effects of internal focus versus two types of external focus (proprioceptive and visual) to determine their influence on non-linear force variability and the underlying neurophysiological mechanisms. The study will assess both acute and training effects, particularly how these focus strategies may enhance gait variability and overall mobility in older adults. Participants will engage in strength training sessions while their performance and physiological responses are monitored.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved strength training protocols that enhance mobility and reduce fall risk in older adults.

How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus of this study may be novel, previous research has shown that different attentional strategies can influence motor performance and learning, suggesting potential for success.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

\- Signed informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Severe cardiovascular or pulmonary disease
* Oncological disease
* Lower limb disabilities
* Neurological disorders
* Inability to walk unassisted for 12 continuous minutes
* Cognitive impairment
* Falls in the prior 12 months
* Orthopedic concerns, which might limit force production
* Metal implants
* Medicine that can trigger side effects with TMS

Where it's running

  • Egas Moniz School of Health & Science
    Monte de Caparica, Almada, Portugal
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.