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NCT Number: NCT07027397

One Year of Velocity-based Resistance Training in Older People Living in Nursing Homes

This study is an exercise intervention assessing the efficacy of a velocity-based resistance training (VBRT) in institutionalized older adults.

The aim of this study is to assess the effects of one year of velocity-based resistance training on skeletal muscle mass, muscle function, and physical and cognitive function in older adults living in nursing homes.

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Key information

Conditions

Aging Cognitive Function Frailty Frailty Syndrome Muscle Mass and Strength Muscle Power Pathologic Processes Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms

Age range

65 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

University of Castilla-La Mancha

Toledo, 45071, Spain

About this study

Evidence supports the fact that resistance exercise training is effective in improving old adult's health and palliate age-related disorders. New approaches in resistance training are emerging to maximize monitoring control, providing more tailored and potentially more effective exercise interventions. Among them, the velocity-based resistance training (VBRT) is being established in healthy populations or populations with pathologies. However, the effects of long-term VBRT in institutionalized older adults are still unknown.

Thus, the aim of this study is to assess the effects of one year of velocity-based resistance training on skeletal muscle mass, muscle function, and physical and cognitive function in older adults living in nursing homes.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Older people living permanently in nursing home.
  • Age ≥ 65 years old.
  • Are able to walk with/without assistance.
  • Have ability to communicate with the research team.

Exclusion criteria

  • Terminal illness.
  • Any illness not controled (cardiac, pulmonary, etc).
  • If there is a risk of bone fracture according to medical staff.

Treatment and study plan

Exercise

Other

All participants will conduct a 2-day-a-week resistance training (RT) routine using the velocity-based method in the leg press exercise for one year. A tailored and constant intensity will be performed at 60% of the theoretical maximal isometric strength (F0) during the training intervention. Participants will conduct 3-4 sets, individualizing the repetitions numbers until they reach a velocity loss of 10-20%. A rest of 2 minutes was imposed between sets. A standardized warm-up will preced all RT session as follows: 4 minutes walking at usual gait speed and 6 minutes performing dynamic balance exercises.

Primary outcomes

  1. Change in muscle power

    Time frame: T0 (baseline); T1 (post 6 weeks); T2 (post 12 weeks); T3 (post 23 weeks) and T4 (post 39 weeks).

    Muscle power assessed in leg press machine and sit to stand test.

  2. Changes in neuromuscular performance of lower-body

    Time frame: T0 (baseline); T1 (post 6 weeks); T2 (post 12 weeks); T3 (post 23 weeks) and T4 (post 39 weeks).

    Change in the force-velocity relationship in leg press exercise.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Change in physical function based on the Short Physical Performance Battery score

    Time frame: T0 (baseline); T1 (post 6 weeks); T2 (post 12 weeks); T3 (post 23 weeks) and T4 (post 39 weeks).

    The Short Physical Performance Battery score ranges from 0 to 12 points. Higher scores indicate better physical function, while lower scores reflect poorer physical function.

  2. Change in frailty (score) using Fried's Frailty Criteria and Frailty Trait Scale - Short Form

    Time frame: T0 (baseline); T1 (post 6 weeks); T2 (post 12 weeks); T3 (post 23 weeks) and T4 (post 39 weeks).

    Fried's frailty phenotype based on five criteria (habitual gait speed, handgrip strength , involuntary weight loss, exhaustion and low physical activity). The score ranges from 0 to 5, where each criterion met counts as one point. A score of 0 indicates best status, while a score of 5 indicates worst status.

    Frailty Trait Scale - Short Form evaluates 5 domains, including body mass index, physical activity, static balance, habitual gait speed and handgrip strength. The score ranges from 0 to 50, where each criterion met counts as one point. A score of 0 indicates best status, while a score of 50 indicates worst status.

  3. Change in muscle mass using ultrasonography.

    Time frame: T0 (baseline); T1 (post 6 weeks); T2 (post 12 weeks); T3 (post 23 weeks) and T4 (post 39 weeks).

    Muscle Cross-sectional area quadriceps femoris were assessed using ultrasonography.

  4. Change in disability using Barthel and Lawton scales

    Time frame: T0 (baseline); T1 (post 6 weeks); T2 (post 12 weeks); T3 (post 23 weeks) and T4 (post 39 weeks).

    The Lawton scale assesses the ability to use the telephone, shopping, cooking, household duties, laundry, use of transportation, responsibility for their medication and handling of economic matters. Each item is assigned a numerical value (1 = independent, 0 = dependent), therefore, the maximum dependence would be marked by obtaining 0 points (worst) and total independence by obtaining 8 points (best).

    The Barthel index is a 10-item questionnaire that provides information about the autonomy to cook food, wash, dress, groom, perform bowel movements and urination, go to the toilet, move from the bed to the chair, walk and climb stair.The total score ranges from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating greater independence (best), and lower scores indicating higher levels of dependence in basic daily activities (worst).

  5. Change in cognitive function using Mini-Mental State Examination

    Time frame: T0 (baseline); T1 (post 6 weeks); T2 (post 12 weeks); T3 (post 23 weeks) and T4 (post 39 weeks).

    Mini-Mental State Examination score ranges from 0 to 30 points. A higher score indicates better cognitive function, while a lower score reflects greater cognitive impairment.

  6. Change in handgrip strength

    Time frame: T0 (baseline); T1 (post 6 weeks); T2 (post 12 weeks); T3 (post 23 weeks) and T4 (post 39 weeks).

    Change in maximum voluntary isometric handgrip strength, measured using a digital dynamometer.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Castilla-La Mancha

Other

Registry information

Official study title

One Year of Velocity-based Resistance Training in Older People Living in Nursing Homes: Effects on Skeletal Muscle Mass, Muscle Function, and Physical and Cognitive Function

Important dates

Study start
2024
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Jun 18, 2025
Registry last updated
Apr 30, 2026

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

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

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.

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