Effects of Different Power Training Intensities in Older Adults

NCT07023146 | Enrolling By Invitation

• 1 other identifier: 85503024.6.0000.5347
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 70
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Power (strength × velocity) is a crucial component for maintaining independence during aging. Therefore, investigating interventions aimed at improving this physical capacity is essential for this population. The aim of this study is to examine the effects of power training (PT) performed at low to moderate intensity (PTLM; 40-60% of 1-repetition maximum \[1RM\]) and moderate to high intensity (PTMH; 65-80% of 1RM) on muscle power, kinematic gait parameters, strength, muscle thickness, and functional performance in older adults. Participants will be randomly assigned to perform PTLM and PTMH. Data collection will occur before and after familiarization, as well as at weeks 8 and 16 of the training programs. Participants will undergo a series of tests in the following sequence: 1) muscle thickness and 1RM test; 2) muscle power, maximum voluntary contraction, and rate of force development; 3) functional performance. The primary analyses will be conducted on an intention-to-treat basis, comparing the effects of the interventions and groups over time. Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) will be used, considering the factors of group (2 levels) and time (3 levels). Paired comparisons will be assessed using the Bonferroni post-hoc test to identify significant differences between groups and time points. All tests will be performed using JASP software (version 0.16.4.0), with statistical significance set at p \< 0.05 for all analyses.

Conditions

Investigating the Effects of Power Training in the Elderly

Keywords

Aging; resistance training; functional capacity; muscle strength; muscle hypertrophy

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (3)

• Muscle Power

  The power output during strength exercises is assessed using an encoder linear at two different intensities: 30% and 70% of 1RM in leg extension and leg press 45. Power output is the ability to generate force quickly and is a key measure of explosive strength. These tests are performed using different resistance levels to assess power across a range of intensities. Measurement Tool: Encoder linear (linear encoder or velocity-based device) Scale: Power output in watts (W) Higher scores indicate better power performance at each intensity.

  Pre- and post-intervention (16 weeks of training)

• Muscle Strength

  Muscle strength is the ability of a muscle or muscle group to generate force against resistance. It reflects the maximum force that can be produced in a single effort and is essential for daily activities and overall physical function. One Repetition Maximum (1RM) is used to quantify maximal strength. Measurement Tool: 1RM testing Scale: 1RM (measured in kg) Higher scores indicate better strength performance.

  Pre- and post-intervention (16 weeks of training)

• Rate of Force Development

  Rate of force development refers to the speed at which force is generated by a muscle or muscle group. It is a critical measure of neuromuscular performance, especially in activities that require explosive strength or rapid reactions. RFD is measured during maximal voluntary contractions. Measurement Tool: Load Cell Scale: Measured in Newtons per second (N/s) Higher scores indicate better neuromuscular performance.

  Pre- and post-intervention (16 weeks of training)

Secondary Outcomes (3)

• Functional Capacity

  Pre- and post-intervention (16 weeks of training)

• Muscle hypertrophy

  Pre- and post-intervention (16 weeks of training)

• Cognitive Capacity

  Pre- and post-intervention (16 weeks of training)

Study Arms (2)

Low to moderate intensity (PTLM; 40-60% of 1-repetition maximum [1RM])

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Power training performed at maximum velocity in the concentric phase with lower to moderate intensity

Device: low to moderate intensity (PTLM; 40-60% of 1-repetition maximum [1RM])

Moderate to high intensity (PTMH; 65-80% % of 1-repetition maximum [1RM])

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Power training performed at maximum velocity in the concentric phase with moderate to high intensity

Device: Moderate to high intensity (PTMH; 65-80% of 1-repetition maximum [1RM]) )

Interventions

Moderate to high intensity (PTMH; 65-80% of 1-repetition maximum [1RM]) ) DEVICE

Power training performed at maximum velocity in the concentric phase with moderate to high intensity

Also known as: PTMH, Linear Encoder, Load Cell, 1-Repetition Maximum (1RM), Ultrasound

Moderate to high intensity (PTMH; 65-80% % of 1-repetition maximum [1RM])

low to moderate intensity (PTLM; 40-60% of 1-repetition maximum [1RM]) DEVICE

Power training performed at maximum velocity in the concentric phase with lower to moderate intensity

Also known as: PTLM, Linear Encoder, 1-Repetition Maximum (1RM), Ultrasound, Load Cell

Low to moderate intensity (PTLM; 40-60% of 1-repetition maximum [1RM])

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 60 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Age 60 years or older
• No participation in regular and systematic resistance training in the last three months
• No absolute or relative contraindications to exercise
• No musculoskeletal injuries that could interfere with training and assessments

You may not qualify if:

• Use of steroids, nutritional supplements, or ergogenic substances
• Failure to complete all study phases
• Failure to complete more than 80% of the training sessions (32 sessions)

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul: lead

Study Sites (1)

Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS)

Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, 91410-070, Brazil

Location

Related Publications (4)

• Martinikorena I, Martinez-Ramirez A, Gomez M, Lecumberri P, Casas-Herrero A, Cadore EL, Millor N, Zambom-Ferraresi F, Idoate F, Izquierdo M. Gait Variability Related to Muscle Quality and Muscle Power Output in Frail Nonagenarian Older Adults. J Am Med Dir Assoc. 2016 Feb;17(2):162-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jamda.2015.09.015. Epub 2015 Nov 11.

  PMID: 26577625 BACKGROUND

• Mc Dermott EJ, Balshaw TG, Brooke-Wavell K, Maden-Wilkinson TM, Folland JP. Fast and ballistic contractions involve greater neuromuscular power production in older adults during resistance exercise. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2022 Jul;122(7):1639-1655. doi: 10.1007/s00421-022-04947-x. Epub 2022 Apr 16.

  PMID: 35429294 BACKGROUND

• Bandeira-Guimaraes M, Blanco-Rambo E, Vieira AF, Saez de Asteasu ML, Pinto RS, Izquierdo M, Cadore EL. Chronic Effects of Different Intensities of Power Training on Neuromuscular Parameters in Older People: A Systematic Review with Meta-analysis. Sports Med Open. 2023 Oct 24;9(1):98. doi: 10.1186/s40798-023-00646-9.

  PMID: 37874417 BACKGROUND

• de Vos NJ, Singh NA, Ross DA, Stavrinos TM, Orr R, Fiatarone Singh MA. Optimal load for increasing muscle power during explosive resistance training in older adults. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2005 May;60(5):638-47. doi: 10.1093/gerona/60.5.638.

  PMID: 15972618 BACKGROUND

Related Links

• Related Info
• Related Info

MeSH Terms

Interventions

Ultrasonography

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Diagnostic Imaging; Diagnostic Techniques and Procedures; Diagnosis

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: TRIPLE
• Who Masked: PARTICIPANT, CARE PROVIDER, OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Purpose: PREVENTION
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Doctor Student

Model Details: The methodological procedures of this project will be carried out at the UFRGS facilities, on the campus of the School of Physical Education, Physiotherapy and Dance (ESEFID) and at LAPEX. After two weeks of familiarization, in order to guarantee the reproducibility and reliability of the methodological procedures, the participants will be randomized electronically (randomizer.org.br) to perform low to moderate intensity (PTLM; 40-60% of 1-repetition maximum \[1RM\]) and moderate to high intensity (PTMH; 65-80% of 1RM).

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: May 23, 2025
• First Posted: June 15, 2025
• Study Start: April 2, 2025
• Primary Completion: December 11, 2025
• Study Completion: December 11, 2025
• Last Updated: June 15, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-06

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

BR (1)