TRX Suspension Training for Sarcopenia in Older Men

NCT07398092 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: YBU-TRX-SARC-2024-01
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 36
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effects of a 12-week TRX suspension training program on physical fitness, gait performance, and selected blood biomarkers in older men with sarcopenia. Sarcopenia is an age-related condition characterized by loss of muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical function, which increases the risk of falls, disability, and reduced quality of life. A total of 36 older men diagnosed with sarcopenia were randomly assigned to either a TRX suspension training group or a control group. The training group participated in supervised TRX exercise sessions three times per week for 12 weeks, with each session lasting approximately 60 minutes. The control group maintained their usual daily activities without structured exercise intervention. Physical fitness, walking ability, and blood biomarkers related to inflammation and muscle growth were assessed before and after the intervention. The study aimed to determine whether TRX suspension training is a safe and effective exercise approach for improving muscle strength, balance, walking ability, and biological indicators associated with sarcopenia in older adults.

Conditions

Sarcopenia

Keywords

TRX suspension training; Resistance training; Older adults; Physical fitness; Gait performance; Muscle strength; Inflammatory biomarkers; Randomized controlled trial

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Change in Handgrip Strength

  Handgrip strength was measured using a digital handgrip dynamometer. The primary outcome was the change in maximal handgrip strength from baseline to the end of the 12-week intervention period.

  Baseline to 12 weeks

Secondary Outcomes (11)

• Change in 30-Second Chair Stand Test Performance

  Baseline to 12 weeks

• Change in 30-Second Arm Curl Test Performance

  Baseline to 12 weeks

• Change in Single-Leg Stance Time

  Baseline to 12 weeks

• Change in Four Square Step Test Performance

  Baseline to 12 weeks

• Change in Timed Up and Go Test Performance

  Baseline to 12 weeks

Study Arms (2)

TRX Suspension Training Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants assigned to this arm received a supervised TRX suspension training program for 12 weeks. Training sessions were conducted three times per week, with each session lasting approximately 60 minutes. The program included progressive, whole-body resistance exercises targeting the upper limbs, lower limbs, and trunk.

Behavioral: TRX Suspension Training

Control Group

OTHER

Participants in the control group maintained their usual daily activities throughout the 12-week study period and did not participate in any structured exercise or training intervention.

Other: Usual Daily Activities

Interventions

TRX Suspension Training BEHAVIORAL

TRX suspension training was delivered as a structured, supervised exercise program conducted three times per week for 12 weeks. Each session lasted approximately 60 minutes and included warm-up, main training, and cool-down phases. The program emphasized progressive, whole-body resistance exercises targeting the upper limbs, lower limbs, and trunk, with training intensity individualized through adjustments in body angle and support points.

TRX Suspension Training Group

Usual Daily Activities OTHER

Participants continued their usual daily activities during the 12-week study period and did not receive any structured exercise or training intervention.

Control Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 65 Years+
• Sex: male
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Male participants aged 65 years or older.
• Diagnosis of sarcopenia based on established criteria, including low handgrip strength, reduced skeletal muscle mass index, and slow gait speed.
• Ability to walk independently without assistive devices.
• Ability to understand the study procedures and provide written informed consent.
• Willingness to participate in the 12-week intervention and complete all required assessments.

You may not qualify if:

• Presence of severe cardiovascular disease or other medical conditions that contraindicate moderate-intensity exercise.
• Diagnosis of severe depression, dementia, or other neurological or psychiatric disorders that could interfere with participation.
• Participation in other structured exercise or training programs during the study period.
• History of drug or alcohol abuse.
• Any musculoskeletal, neurological, or systemic condition that would prevent safe participation in the exercise intervention.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• WeiJin Zhang: lead

Study Sites (1)

Yibin University

Yibin, Sichuan, 644000, China

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Sarcopenia

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Muscular Atrophy; Neuromuscular Manifestations; Neurologic Manifestations; Nervous System Diseases; Atrophy; Pathological Conditions, Anatomical; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms; Signs and Symptoms

Study Officials

• Seung-Soo Baek, PhD

  Department of Sport and Healthcare, Sangmyung University, Seoul, Republic of Korea

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER GOV
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Principal Investigator

Model Details: Participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either a TRX suspension training group or a control group and remained in their assigned group throughout the 12-week intervention period.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: February 2, 2026
• First Posted: February 9, 2026
• Study Start: February 1, 2024
• Primary Completion: July 30, 2024
• Study Completion: August 30, 2024
• Last Updated: February 12, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-02

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will share
• Shared Documents: STUDY PROTOCOL, SAP
• Time Frame: Data will be available beginning 6 months after publication and will remain available for up to 5 years.
• Access Criteria: Access to the de-identified individual participant data will be granted to qualified researchers who submit a methodologically sound proposal. Requests will be reviewed and approved by the study investigators, and data will be shared upon reasonable request in accordance with applicable ethical and data protection regulations.

Locations

CN (1)