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NCT Number: NCT07023146

Effects of Different Power Training Intensities in Older Adults

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.

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Key information

Conditions

Investigating the Effects of Power Training in the Elderly

Age range

60 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS)

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

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • 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

Exclusion criteria

  • 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)

Treatment and study plan

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

Other names: PTMH, Linear Encoder, Load Cell, 1-Repetition Maximum (1RM), Ultrasound

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

Other names: PTLM, Linear Encoder, 1-Repetition Maximum (1RM), Ultrasound, Load Cell

Primary outcomes

  1. Muscle Power

    Time frame: Pre- and post-intervention (16 weeks of training)

    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.

  2. Muscle Strength

    Time frame: Pre- and post-intervention (16 weeks of training)

    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.

  3. Rate of Force Development

    Time frame: Pre- and post-intervention (16 weeks of training)

    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.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Functional Capacity

    Time frame: Pre- and post-intervention (16 weeks of training)

    Functional capacity refers to an individual's ability to perform activities required for daily living, such as walking, climbing stairs, or carrying objects. It reflects overall physical function and is often used to assess health status, particularly in older adults or clinical populations. The following tests were selected to assess functional capacity:

    Stair Climbing Test Scale: Total time to climb and descend a predetermined number of stairs. Shorter time indicates better performance. Timed Up and Go (TUG) Scale: Total time in seconds. Shorter time indicates better mobility and agility. 6-Meter Walk Speed Test Scale: Total time to walk 6 meters (seconds). Shorter time indicates faster walking speed. Sit-to-Stand Test (5 times) Scale: Total time to complete the 5 repetitions. Shorter time indicates better muscle strength and functional capacity.

  2. Muscle hypertrophy

    Time frame: Pre- and post-intervention (16 weeks of training)

    Muscle thickness is an indicator of muscle size and hypertrophy. It reflects the structural adaptations that occur in response to training. Ultrasound is used to measure the thickness of muscles such as the quadriceps, biceps, and triceps.

    Measurement Tool: Ultrasound imaging

    Scale: Muscle thickness in millimeters (mm)

    Higher scores indicate greater muscle hypertrophy.

  3. Cognitive Capacity

    Time frame: Pre- and post-intervention (16 weeks of training)

    The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is a brief screening tool used to assess cognitive function. It evaluates multiple cognitive domains, including memory, attention, language, and executive functions. It is commonly used to assess cognitive decline or impairments.

    Measurement Tool: MoCA test

    Scale: MoCA score ranges from 0 to 30, with higher scores indicating better cognitive function.

    Higher scores indicate better cognitive function.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Adaptations Due to Different Intensities of Power Training on Neuromuscular Performance, Muscle Thickness and Functional Capacity in Elderly People: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Jun 15, 2025
Registry last updated
Jun 15, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

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This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.