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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07398092

TRX Suspension Training for Sarcopenia in Older Men

This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effects of a 12-week TRX suspension training program on physical fitness, gait performance, and selected blood biomarkers in older men with sarcopenia. Sarcopenia is an age-related condition characterized by loss of muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical function, which increases the risk of falls, disability, and reduced quality of life.

A total of 36 older men diagnosed with sarcopenia were randomly assigned to either a TRX suspension training group or a control group. The training group participated in supervised TRX exercise sessions three times per week for 12 weeks, with each session lasting approximately 60 minutes. The control group maintained their usual daily activities without structured exercise intervention.

Physical fitness, walking ability, and blood biomarkers related to inflammation and muscle growth were assessed before and after the intervention. The study aimed to determine whether TRX suspension training is a safe and effective exercise approach for improving muscle strength, balance, walking ability, and biological indicators associated with sarcopenia in older adults.

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Key information

Conditions

Sarcopenia Atrophy Muscular Atrophy Nervous System Diseases Neurologic Manifestations Neuromuscular Manifestations Pathological Conditions, Anatomical Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms

Age range

65 year and older

Sex eligibility

Male

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Yibin University

Yibin, Sichuan, 644000, China

About this study

This study was a single-center, randomized controlled trial designed to examine the effects of TRX suspension training on physical fitness, gait performance, and inflammatory- and growth-related biomarkers in older men with sarcopenia.

Eligible participants were men aged 65 years and older who met established diagnostic criteria for sarcopenia based on low handgrip strength, reduced skeletal muscle mass index, and slow gait speed. After screening, 36 participants were randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to either an experimental group receiving TRX suspension training or a control group maintaining usual daily activities.

The intervention consisted of a 12-week TRX suspension training program conducted three times per week. Each training session lasted approximately 60 minutes and included a warm-up period, a main training phase, and a cool-down period. The exercise program emphasized multi-joint, whole-body movements targeting the upper limbs, lower limbs, and trunk. Training intensity and difficulty were progressively adjusted using body angle and support-point principles to ensure safety and individualized progression for older participants.

Assessments were performed before the intervention and within 48 hours after completion of the 12-week program. Outcome measures included physical fitness tests (upper- and lower-limb muscle strength, balance, and agility), gait performance tests (mobility, walking speed, and walking endurance), and fasting blood biomarkers related to inflammation and muscle growth, including interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, insulin-like growth factor-1, C-reactive protein, and vitamin D.

The primary objective of the study was to determine whether TRX suspension training could improve muscle strength and functional mobility in older men with sarcopenia. Secondary objectives included evaluating changes in gait performance and selected biological markers associated with inflammation and muscle metabolism. This study aimed to provide evidence supporting the use of TRX suspension training as a safe and effective exercise strategy for improving physical function and reducing fall risk in older adults with sarcopenia.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Male participants aged 65 years or older.
  • Diagnosis of sarcopenia based on established criteria, including low handgrip strength, reduced skeletal muscle mass index, and slow gait speed.
  • Ability to walk independently without assistive devices.
  • Ability to understand the study procedures and provide written informed consent.
  • Willingness to participate in the 12-week intervention and complete all required assessments.

Exclusion criteria

  • Presence of severe cardiovascular disease or other medical conditions that contraindicate moderate-intensity exercise.
  • Diagnosis of severe depression, dementia, or other neurological or psychiatric disorders that could interfere with participation.
  • Participation in other structured exercise or training programs during the study period.
  • History of drug or alcohol abuse.
  • Any musculoskeletal, neurological, or systemic condition that would prevent safe participation in the exercise intervention.

Treatment and study plan

TRX Suspension Training

Behavioral

TRX suspension training was delivered as a structured, supervised exercise program conducted three times per week for 12 weeks. Each session lasted approximately 60 minutes and included warm-up, main training, and cool-down phases. The program emphasized progressive, whole-body resistance exercises targeting the upper limbs, lower limbs, and trunk, with training intensity individualized through adjustments in body angle and support points.

Usual Daily Activities

Other

Participants continued their usual daily activities during the 12-week study period and did not receive any structured exercise or training intervention.

Primary outcomes

  1. Change in Handgrip Strength

    Time frame: Baseline to 12 weeks

    Handgrip strength was measured using a digital handgrip dynamometer. The primary outcome was the change in maximal handgrip strength from baseline to the end of the 12-week intervention period.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Change in 30-Second Chair Stand Test Performance

    Time frame: Baseline to 12 weeks

    Lower-limb muscle strength was assessed using the 30-second chair stand test. The outcome was defined as the change in the number of completed stands from baseline to the end of the 12-week intervention.

  2. Change in 30-Second Arm Curl Test Performance

    Time frame: Baseline to 12 weeks

    Upper-limb muscular endurance was evaluated using the 30-second arm curl test. The outcome was the change in the number of repetitions completed from baseline to the end of the 12-week intervention period.

  3. Change in Single-Leg Stance Time

    Time frame: Baseline to 12 weeks

    Static balance was assessed using the single-leg stance test. The outcome was defined as the change in maximal standing time from baseline to the end of the 12-week intervention.

  4. Change in Four Square Step Test Performance

    Time frame: Baseline to 12 weeks

    Dynamic balance and agility were evaluated using the four square step test. The outcome was the change in completion time from baseline to the end of the 12-week intervention period.

  5. Change in Timed Up and Go Test Performance

    Time frame: Baseline to 12 weeks

    Functional mobility was assessed using the Timed Up and Go test. The outcome was defined as the change in test completion time from baseline to the end of the 12-week intervention.

  6. Change in 10-Meter Walk Test Performance

    Time frame: Baseline to 12 weeks

    Walking speed was evaluated using the 10-meter walk test. The outcome was defined as the change in walking time from baseline to the end of the 12-week intervention period.

  7. Change in Six-Minute Walk Test Distance

    Time frame: Baseline to 12 weeks

    Walking endurance was assessed using the six-minute walk test. The outcome was defined as the change in total walking distance from baseline to the end of the 12-week intervention.

  8. Change in Serum Interleukin-6 Levels

    Time frame: Baseline to 12 weeks

    Systemic inflammation was evaluated by measuring fasting serum interleukin-6 concentrations. The outcome was defined as the change in IL-6 levels from baseline to the end of the 12-week intervention.

  9. Change in Serum Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha Levels

    Time frame: Baseline to 12 weeks

    Inflammatory status was assessed by measuring fasting serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha concentrations. The outcome was defined as the change in TNF-alpha levels from baseline to the end of the 12-week intervention.

  10. Change in Serum Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 Levels

    Time frame: Baseline to 12 weeks

    Muscle anabolic status was assessed by measuring fasting serum insulin-like growth factor-1 concentrations. The outcome was defined as the change in IGF-1 levels from baseline to the end of the 12-week intervention.

  11. Change in Serum Vitamin D Levels

    Time frame: Baseline to 12 weeks

    Vitamin D status was evaluated by measuring fasting serum vitamin D concentrations. The outcome was defined as the change in vitamin D levels from baseline to the end of the 12-week intervention.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

WeiJin Zhang

Other Gov

Registry information

Official study title

Effects of TRX Suspension Training on Physical Fitness, Gait Performance, and Inflammatory and Growth-Related Biomarkers in Older Men With Sarcopenia: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Acronym: TRX-SARC

Important dates

Study start
2024
Primary completion
2024
Study completion
2024
First posted
Feb 9, 2026
Registry last updated
Feb 12, 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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