Effects of Functional Task Training on Muscle Health and Function in Older Adults With Sarcopenia

NCT07494916 | Active Not Recruiting DMC

• 2 other identifiers: 5310/CEIH/2025-FTTA.SEJ.227.UGR23
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 30
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Sarcopenia is a condition associated with aging that causes a loss of muscle mass, strength, and physical function. This decline limits the ability to perform basic daily activities and increases the risk of falls and dependency. The purpose of this clinical study is to determine the effects of a 12-week Functional Task Training (FTT) program on functional, structural, and physiological biomarkers in older adults with sarcopenia. FTT involves practicing everyday movements, such as standing up from a chair, climbing stairs, walking, and carrying objects. The study aims to answer the following question: Does Functional Task Training performed specifically in optimal muscle power zones offer greater improvements in aging biomarkers compared to standard Functional Task Training or traditional resistance training? The researchers hypothesize that while all exercise interventions will be beneficial, the FTT program focused on power zones will generate the greatest improvements in functional, physiological, and structural biomarkers in older adults with sarcopenia. To test this, 30 older adults (aged 60 and older) will be randomly assigned to one of three active groups for a 12-week period (2 days per week): an FTT group training in power zones, a standard FTT group, or a traditional resistance training group. All exercise groups will use a Functional Electromechanical Dynamometer (DEMF) to precisely measure and control the training loads.

Conditions

Sarcopenia; Aging; Physical Functional Performance; Muscle Weakness | Patient

Keywords

aging population; functional training; task exercise

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

• Muscle Thickness of the Rectus Femoris

  Muscle thickness will be measured in centimeters (cm) using B-mode ultrasound. The assessment will be performed at the midpoint between the anterior superior iliac spine and the superior border of the patella. This measurement serves as a structural biomarker to evaluate changes in muscle mass. Higher values indicate an increase in muscle volume

  Baseline and 12 weeks

• Muscle Thickness of the Rectus Femoris (via Ultrasound)

  Evaluation of muscle structural changes using B-mode ultrasound. The thickness (measured in centimeters) of the rectus femoris muscle will be assessed at the midpoint between the anterior superior iliac spine and the superior border of the patella. This measurement serves as a structural biomarker for muscle mass. Higher values indicate an increase in muscle volume and a reduction in sarcopenia-related atrophy.

  Baseline and 12 weeks

Study Arms (3)

FTT in Power Zones

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants assigned to this experimental arm will undergo a 12-week Functional Task Training (FTT) program, 2 days per week. The intervention involves exercises simulating activities of daily living, such as sitting and standing from a chair, stair climbing, walking with directional changes, and lifting objects. Crucially, exercises will be performed using a Functional Electromechanical Dynamometer (DEMF) to ensure participants train specifically within their optimal muscle power zones. Execution velocity will be continuously monitored to electronically adjust loads based on individual power performance.

Behavioral: Functional Task Training in Power Zones

Standard Functional Task Training (FTT)

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants assigned to this experimental arm will undergo a 12-week Functional Task Training (FTT) program, 2 days per week. The intervention consists of exercises simulating activities of daily living, including sit-to-stand, stair climbing, walking, and lifting objects. Exercises will be performed using the DEMF device following standard progressive load adjustments based on tolerance and performance, without specifically targeting optimal muscle power zones.

Behavioral: Standard Functional Task Training

Traditional Resistance Training (RT)

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Participants assigned to this active comparator arm will complete a 12-week traditional resistance training program, 2 days per week. The protocol targets major muscle groups through conventional exercises (e.g., leg press, bench press). These exercises will also be performed using the DEMF device to control and monitor the training loads, but the focus will remain on traditional strength parameters rather than specific functional tasks or optimal power zones.

Behavioral: Traditional Resistance Training

Interventions

Functional Task Training in Power Zones BEHAVIORAL

Participants will perform a 12-week Functional Task Training (FTT) program (2 sessions/week, 60 min/session). The circuit includes 4 specific functional tasks designed to simulate daily life demands: 1) Sit-to-stand from a chair, 2) Walking with changes of direction, 3) Lifting and carrying objects, and 4) Pulling/pushing movements. All exercises will be executed using a Functional Electromechanical Dynamometer (DEMF). This device provides constant electronic resistance and allows for the determination of the individual load that elicits peak power output. Training intensity will be strictly monitored to ensure participants perform each repetition within their optimal muscle power zone. Loads will be adjusted progressively (5-10% weekly) based on the velocity and power data provided by the device. Each session includes a warm-up, 3 sets of 10-12 repetitions per task, and a cool-down.

FTT in Power Zones

Standard Functional Task Training BEHAVIORAL

Participants will perform a 12-week Functional Task Training (FTT) program (2 sessions/week, 60 min/session). The circuit includes 4 specific functional tasks: 1) Sit-to-stand from a chair, 2) Walking with changes of direction, 3) Lifting and carrying objects, and 4) Pulling/pushing movements. All exercises will be executed using the Functional Electromechanical Dynamometer (DEMF). Training follows standard progressive resistance protocols (5-10% weekly load increase) based on individual tolerance, without specifically targeting or monitoring the optimal muscle power zones.

Standard Functional Task Training (FTT)

Traditional Resistance Training BEHAVIORAL

Participants will complete a 12-week traditional resistance training program (2 sessions/week, 60 min/session). The protocol targets major muscle groups through 4 conventional analytical exercises (e.g., leg press, chest press, row, and leg extension). These exercises will be performed using the DEMF device to control and monitor the training loads. This group does not perform functional task simulations or power-zone specific training, following a standard hypertrophy and strength progression.

Traditional Resistance Training (RT)

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 60 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Participants aged 60 years or older.
• Diagnosis of probable or confirmed sarcopenia (according to EWGSOP2 criteria, including low handgrip strength and/or low muscle mass).
• Ability to walk independently (with or without assistive devices).
• Medically cleared to participate in a structured physical exercise program.
• Voluntary participation and signed informed consent.

You may not qualify if:

• Unstable cardiovascular disease, uncontrolled hypertension, or any medical condition where exercise is contraindicated.
• Recent bone fractures or major surgeries within the last 6 months that limit physical activity.
• Severe visual or auditory deficits that interfere with the training sessions.
• Concurrent participation in another structured resistance training or functional exercise program.
• Any musculoskeletal or neurological condition that prevents the safe use of the Functional Electromechanical Dynamometer (DEMF)

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Universidad de Granada: lead

Study Sites (1)

Lab. IDAFISAD CTS 642 Faculty of Sports Science, Granada

Granada, Granada, 18006, Spain

Location

Related Publications (1)

• Nieves-Silva R, Chirosa-Rios L, Chirosa-Rios IJ, Martinez-Garcia D, Jimenez-Lupion D, Jerez-Mayorga D. Effects of functional task training on physical performance in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur Geriatr Med. 2026 Feb;17(1):247-260. doi: 10.1007/s41999-025-01310-z. Epub 2025 Sep 18.

  PMID: 40965784 BACKGROUND

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 Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: PhD Candidate

Model Details: Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three parallel, active intervention groups for a 12-week period (training 2 days per week): an experimental group performing Functional Task Training (FTT) in optimal muscle power zones, a second experimental group performing standard FTT, and an active comparator group performing traditional Resistance Training (RT).

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: March 20, 2026
• First Posted: March 27, 2026
• Study Start: February 2, 2026
• Primary Completion: May 30, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): July 2, 2027
• Last Updated: March 27, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-03

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

ES (1)