Oxandrolone and Progressive Resistance Training in Older Women with Early Frailty

Progressive Resistance Training combined with Oxandrolone. Participants will be instructed to take 2 x 2.5mg oxandrolone tablets, orally, twice per day (10mg), for the duration of the study (12 weeks). Adherence will be monitored by self-report and the returning of empty packaging by the participants. The progressive resistance training will be performed on Keiser pneumatic resistance equipment 3 days per week for 12 weeks. Training will be fully supervised, one-on-one, by a Nurse and Exercise Physiologist or certified Recreational Therapist. Participants will exercise at a minimum of 80% of their previously determined one-repetition maximum (1RM). Sessions will last approximately 45 minutes. Participants will perform 3 sets of 8 repetitions on the leg press, knee extension, knee flexion, triceps pushdown, plantar flexion and chest press. 1RM testing will be carried out every two weeks to ensure participants are progressed appropriately. Borg rating scales will be used to further titrate the intensity of training by maintaining the resistance between ratings of 15 and 17 at each session. Resistance will be adjusted accordingly if participants develop any musculoskeletal complaints that could be exacerbated with PRT. Participants will undergo both interventions simultaneously.