An interventional study of Concentric overload resistance training and Eccentric overload resistance training in Healthy Older Adults, sponsored by Hungarian University of Sports Science. Active, not recruiting at 1 site in Hungary. Open to participants aged 60 Years and older. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2025-02-20.
Sponsored by Hungarian University of Sports Science · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment
Normal aging leads to a decline in neuromuscular and mobility functions, including a 60% reduction in maximal voluntary force production, a 25% decrease in muscle volume and quality (sarcopenia), and reduced tendon stiffness by age 70. These changes impair walking speed, balance, and increase the metabolic cost of walking by \~20% in older adults compared to younger individuals. While walking training can reduce metabolic costs, no interventions have successfully addressed the 20% age-related difference. Resistance training, particularly eccentric (muscle-lengthening) training, shows promise for improving muscle strength and mass, but its effects on functional, cognitive abilities, and walking economy in older adults remain unexplored.
Normal aging is characterized by a decline in neuromuscular and mobility functions. By the age of 70, maximal voluntary force production decreases by approximately 60%, accompanied by a \~25% reduction in muscle volume and quality, leading to sarcopenia. Alongside changes in muscle protein content, composition, and mitochondrial biochemistry, aging also affects tendon properties. While healthy aging does not significantly alter tendon size, it reduces tendon stiffness, which can delay force transmission. These changes in muscle-tendon function contribute to slower walking speeds and impaired static and dynamic balance.
One of the most significant functional changes with aging is the increased metabolic cost of walking. Older individuals require \~20% more metabolic energy to walk the same distance as younger adults, yet the underlying reasons remain unclear. While walking training has been shown to reduce metabolic costs in older adults, no studies have attempted to reduce this 20% age-related difference using alternative interventions.
Resistance training induces adaptations in muscle-tendon function by requiring participants to overcome external loads. Traditional resistance training combines concentric (muscle shortening) and eccentric (muscle lengthening) contractions, but eccentric training has received increasing attention due to its superior benefits in muscle strength and mass improvement. However, no studies have examined how resistance training, particularly with an eccentric focus, impacts functional and cognitive abilities or walking economy in older adults.
Objectives:
This study aims to:
Hungarian University of Sports Science is the lead sponsor of 5 studies on the registry; none are open to participants now.
Counted across the registry records on this site, refreshed daily.
Healthy men and women aged 60+ (intervention study).
Exclusion Criteria:
Acute injuries or history of severe tendon injuries (Achilles or patellar tendon rupture).
Receive Concentric overload resistance training
Other: Concentric overload resistance training
Receive Eccentric overload resistance training
Other: Eccentric overload resistance training
walking intervention
Other: Active Control
* Resistance training groups will train 2-3 times per week for 3 months using specialized TechnoGym machines. * Exercises include Concentric leg press, knee extension, and ankle plantarflexion in a progressive loading program following American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) \& National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) guidelines. * Heart rate, blood pressure, and perceived exertion will be monitored during each session.
Also known as: active control
* Resistance training groups will train 2-3 times per week for 3 months using specialized TechnoGym machines. * Exercises include Eccentric leg press, knee extension, and ankle plantarflexion in a progressive loading program following American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) \& National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) guidelines. * Heart rate, blood pressure, and perceived exertion will be monitored during each session.
Walking
Walking metabolic cost
Assessed using spirometry at different speeds (J/kg/m)
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 1.5 year
Maximum isometric voluntary contraction
Maximum isometric voluntary force using a dynamometer. (Nm)
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 1.5 year
Patella and Achilles tendon stiffness
Stiffness is the slope of the force elongation curve using dynamometer combining with Ultrasound (N/mm)
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 1.5 year
Vastus lateralis and Gastrocnemius muscle thickness & tendon thickness
VL, GC, and Achilles tendon \& patellar tendon will be assessed using Ultrasound images (mm)
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 1.5 year
Whole leg muscle mass
Whole leg muscle mass via DEXA scan.(Kg)
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 1.5 year
Jump efficiency
squat jump and Countermovement jump height (cm) jump efficiency (%)
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 1.5 year
Cognitive Assessments
Cognitive tests: Executive function, working memory, and processing speed using some questionnaires with score values. Reaction Time (milliseconds, ms) Score (points or errors) - Based on correct/incorrect responses in tasks Number of correct responses per second (responses/sec)
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 1.5 year
Plan to share: Yes
Supporting information: Study protocol, Sap, Icf, Csr, Analytic code
This study is active, not recruiting, as verified in Feb 2025. You cannot join it, but the record below documents what was studied.
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Hungarian University of Sports Science