Mental effort with light resistance training for older adults
Official title: The Effect of Maximal Mental Effort During Resistance Training on Physical Function and Motor Unit Behavior in Older Adults
Run by Kennesaw State University · NCT07687316 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether adding a mental effort cue to light resistance training helps older adults build more strength and improve neuromuscular function than light training alone.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 65 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 75 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Kennesaw State University Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy |
| Locations | 1 site (Kennesaw, Georgia) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 6, 2026 |
| Main results expected | December 2027 |
| Study ends | December 2027 |
| Registry record updated | July 8, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07687316 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged in the senior range who are otherwise ambulatory and not engaging in regular structured exercise in the past 2 years.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals with high risk cardiovascular or other disqualifying conditions or those unable to participate in even light resistance training may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Older adults will be randomized to one of three groups: light-intensity resistance training, light-intensity resistance training with maximal mental effort, or a non-training control. The 8-week program includes supervised, whole-body exercises twice weekly, with progressive sets and rest periods. The primary focus is on changes in strength, neuromuscular function, physical function, and body composition. Outcomes are measured before and after the program to compare the training groups against the control.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance strength and neuromuscular adaptations with low physical demand for older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research supports using targeted mental strategies to augment training adaptations, with mixed but promising results for neuromuscular gains.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Body mass index between 18.5 - 33 kg·m2 * No structured physical activity in past 2 years * Any unstable condition contradicting exercise * Independently walk with or without assistive device * No significant cognitive impairment Exclusion Criteria: * Score of 22 or lower on Montreal Cognitive Assessment * Missing more than 3 training sessions (training groups only) * Pacemaker * Unstable angina * Symptomatic heart failure * Uncontrolled arrythmias * Uncontrolled hypertension (greater or equal to 160/90) * Myocardial infarction in the past 6 months * Uncontrolled type 2 diabetes * Type 1 diabetes * Severe or unstable pulmonary conditions, * Currently on supplemental oxygen therapy * Severe hearing loss or visual impairment * Alzheimer's Disease or significant cognitive impairment * Stroke in the past 6 months or ongoing stroke-induced motor impairment * Any neurological (e.g., Parkinson's) condition affecting motor control * Undergoing chemotherapy * Surgery in past 6 months * Musculoskeletal injury in the past 6 months * Terminal illness * Stage 3 or greater chronic kidney disease
Where it's running
-
Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw, Georgia, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Garrett Hester Professor of Exercise Science
- Email: ghester4@kennesaw.edu
- Phone: 470-578-4267
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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.