The Effectiveness of Squat Exercise for Improving Pre-Sarcopenia in Order Adults

NCT07726758 | Recruiting DMC

• 2 other identifiers: TZUTCU
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 80
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

With the growing aging population, it has been reported that approximately 10-20% of older adults have pre-sarcopenia. Pre-sarcopenia is defined as a decline in either muscle mass or muscle strength. Previous studies have indicated that squat exercise has significant effects on improving lower-extremity muscle strength and physical performance. Early intervention through resistance exercise during the pre-sarcopenia stage may increase muscle mass, enhance physical performance, and prevent progression to sarcopenia. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of squat exercise on improving pre-sarcopenia among older adults. It is expected that, following the squat exercise intervention, older adults will demonstrate significant improvements in muscle mass, lower-extremity muscle strength, physical performance, and body composition, thereby alleviating pre-sarcopenia.

Conditions

Sarcopenia

Keywords

sarcopenia; Squat; muscle mass; Pre-sarcopenia; Aging

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

• Physical performance assessed by the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB)

  Physical performance will be assessed using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). The SPPB consists of three components: balance test, gait speed test, and chair stand test. Total scores range from 0 to 12 points, with higher scores indicating better physical performance

  Baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks

• Body composition assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis (InBody)

  Body composition will be assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis (InBody).Measurements include skeletal muscle mass, body fat mass, and body fat percentage.

  Baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks

Study Arms (2)

Squat Exercise

EXPERIMENTAL

The researcher first assists participants in completing the questionnaire and measures older adults' InBody composition, grip strength, and SPPB (Short Physical Performance Battery). A 12-week squat exercise intervention is then implemented. Post-intervention assessments are conducted at Week 6 and Week 12.

Behavioral: Squat Exercise

Intervention: Usual Care

NO INTERVENTION

No specific resistance training is performed, and participants maintain their usual daily activities.

Interventions

Squat Exercise BEHAVIORAL

Squat exercise is an effective resistance training intervention that enhances lower-extremity muscle strength, physical performance, and functional ability, thereby helping prevent or delay sarcopenia in older adults.

Squat Exercise

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 65 Years - 100 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Older adults aged 65 years and above who meet at least one criterion of pre-sarcopenia.
• Residents of Hualien.
• Able to read, have clear consciousness, and communicate in Mandarin.
• Willing to participate in this study.

You may not qualify if:

• Individuals with disability.
• Individuals with psychiatric disorders or other conditions affecting cognitive function.
• Individuals with injuries of the knee, hip, or lumbar spine that prevent participation in squat exercise.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Tzu Chi University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Hsiao-Chien,Tseng

Taipei, Taiwan

RECRUITING

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

• HSIAO-CHIEN TSENG, MASTER

  STUDENT

  STUDY CHAIR

Central Study Contacts

HSIAO-CHIEN TSENG, MASTER

CONTACT

0910861224; qq572797@gmail.com

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: PARTICIPANT
• Purpose: PREVENTION
• Intervention Model: SEQUENTIAL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Principal Investigator

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: June 27, 2026
• First Posted: July 24, 2026
• Study Start: March 6, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): December 31, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): December 31, 2028
• Last Updated: July 24, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-07

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TW (1)