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Completed

NCT Number: NCT04019132

Power During Functional Tasks in Older Adults

The primary aim of this study is to optimize the methodology to measure lower limb power in older adults, so that clinicians are able to detect functional problems in this population earlier.

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Key information

Conditions

Aging

Age range

20 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

KU Leuven - Department of Movement Sciences

Leuven, Vlaams-Brabant, 3000, Belgium

About this study

Aging is associated with slower movement patterns, a higher fall risk and a restriction in functionality. This will lead to an increase in the number of dependent elderly and a high socio-economic burden. From the age of 40, a systematic loss of muscle mass and muscle force, also known as sarcopenia, will occur. In addition, performing daily tasks requires the production of muscle force at a certain speed. The product of force and speed, power, decreases even earlier and faster than muscle force.

This power is typically measured with specialized equipment, which limits the large-scale applicability. With the help of accelerometry there is the possibility to measure power during more functional tasks and movements, which benefits the applicability, but the reliability, reference values and link with other outcome measurements related to sarcopenia has to be investigated.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Age >20

Exclusion criteria

  • Unstable cardiovascular diseases
  • Fever or acute infection
  • Cognitive or physical malfunctioning that hinders the understanding or performance of tests and/or instructions

Treatment and study plan

Muscle function test

Diagnostic Test

Body measurements, power and strength tests of the knee extensor muscle, handgrip strength, functional capacity tests, objective measurement of physical activity (subgroup of older adults, n=50)

Primary outcomes

  1. Lower limb muscle power during a stair climb test

    Time frame: 1 test moment of approximately 1 hour, planned between September 2019 and July 2020

    The power (watt) needed to perform stair climbing is calculated using a 3D accelerometer (DynaPort MoveTest, McRoberts), worn at the back of the participant

  2. Lower limb muscle power during a sit-to-stand test

    Time frame: 1 test moment of approximately 1 hour, planned between September 2019 and July 2020

    The power (watt) needed to perform 5 sit-to-stand transitions and a 30 sec. sit-to-stand test is calculated using a 3D accelerometer (DynaPort MoveTest, McRoberts), worn at the back of the participant

  3. Reliability of power measurements measured with a 3D accelerometer

    Time frame: 1 test moment of approximately 30 minutes, planned between September 2019 and July 2020

    Reliability of power measurements (watt) measured with a 3D accelerometer (DynaPort MoveTest, McRoberts) worn during functional activities (stair climbing, sit-to-stand test) three times within a period of 2 weeks

  4. Rate of power (force-velocity) development

    Time frame: 1 test moment of approximately 1 hour, planned between September 2019 and July 2020

    Participants perform a test protocol on a Biodex Dynamometer. The rate of power development (watt/s) is defined as the linear slope of the power-time curve and is measured from the onset of movement till peak power.

  5. Handgrip strength

    Time frame: 1 test moment of approximately 1 hour, planned between September 2019 and July 2020

    Handgrip strength (kg) evaluated with a Jamar dynamometer

  6. Jumping height

    Time frame: 1 test moment of approximately 1 hour, planned between September 2019 and July 2020

    Jumping height (in cm) measured during a standardized jump test

  7. Physical activity

    Time frame: 1 week

    Objective measurement of physical activity in a subgroup of older participants (n=50) by means of accelerometry

  8. Number of steps/stairs a day

    Time frame: 1 week

    Objective measurement of physical activity in a subgroup of older participants (n=50) by means of accelerometry

Secondary outcomes

  1. Number of repetitions during a 30s sit-to-stand test

    Time frame: 1 test moment of approximately 1 hour, planned between September 2019 and July 2020

    Number of complete sit-to-stand transitions in 30 sec.

  2. 6min walk distance

    Time frame: 1 test moment of approximately 1 hour, planned between September 2019 and July 2020

    The walk distance (in m) covered in 6 min.

  3. Balance

    Time frame: 1 test moment of approximately 1 hour, planned between September 2019 and July 2020

    Number of seconds a participant can hold a tandem stand, a semi-tandem stand or with the feet together

  4. Maximal gait speed

    Time frame: 1 test moment of approximately 1 hour, planned between September 2019 and July 2020

    The average speed to walk 3m as fast as possible (in m/s)

  5. Usual gait speed

    Time frame: 1 test moment of approximately 1 hour, planned between September 2019 and July 2020

    The average speed to walk 4m at a usual pace (in m/s)

  6. Maximal isometric strength

    Time frame: 1 test moment of approximately 1 hour, planned between September 2019 and July 2020

    Maximal strength (Nm) is measured by means of unilateral isometric knee-extensor tests on a Biodex Dynamometer

  7. Maximal isokinetic strength

    Time frame: 1 test moment of approximately 1 hour, planned between September 2019 and July 2020

    Maximal strength (Nm) is measured by means of unilateral isokinetic knee-extensor tests on a Biodex Dynamometer

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Universitaire Ziekenhuizen KU Leuven

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Power During Functional Tasks in Older Adults: Reliability, Reference Values and Relationship With Other Outcome Measurements Related to Sarcopenia

Important dates

Study start
2020
Primary completion
2022
Study completion
2022
First posted
Jul 15, 2019
Registry last updated
May 19, 2022

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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