None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
The efficacy of strength training using inertial devices on balance in older adults is largely unknown. This study aimed to assess the effects of flywheel resistance exercise training (FRET) on postural stability and mobility in older adults and to investigate whether changes in leg power are related to improvements in balance. Study Design: RCT. Methods: Thirty-six individuals will be randomly allocated to either a FRET group (ETG) who will underwent 6-weeks of training (4x9 reps on a squat device, 2-3 times/week) or usual-care control group (CON; n = 18). Measures: During each repetition, the average power and Mean Propulsive Velocity (MPV) will be computed. The Timed up-and-go test (TUG) and postural balance (anterior–posterior (AP) and medial–lateral (ML) center of pressure (COP) excursions) in different tasks and muscle strength will be assessed.
Interventions
Before starting the training program, subjects completed two familiarization sessions that consisted of a review of safety guidelines, adjusting a harness to each participant’s leg length, and practice with the squat training device (kBox 3, Exxentric AB TM, Bromma, Sweden) equipped with one flywheel with a moment inertia of 0.025 kg m-2 (after week 4 a flywheel with a moment inertia of 0.05 kg m-2 was used). Similar to procedures reported elsewhere, participants then underwent six weeks of flyw
Before starting the training program, subjects completed two familiarization sessions that consisted of a review of safety guidelines, adjusting a harness to each participant’s leg length, and practice with the squat training device (kBox 3, Exxentric AB TM, Bromma, Sweden) equipped with one flywheel with a moment inertia of 0.025 kg m-2 (after week 4 a flywheel with a moment inertia of 0.05 kg m-2 was used). Similar to procedures reported elsewhere, participants then underwent six weeks of flywheel resistance training two (week 1, 3, 5) or three (week 2, 4, 6) times a week with at least 48 h of rest between sessions. Participants performed four sets of nine repetitions: two repetitions at the beginning of each set to initiate the flywheel movement and then seven maximal bilateral repetitions accelerating the wheel in the concentric action and, upon completion (when the flywheel strap winds back due to inertial forces), decelerating the wheel by means of an eccentric action. The rest interval between sets was 3 min. Mean Propulsive Velocity (MPV) and average power output were measured during each concentric action (SmartCoachTM Power Encoder, SmartCoach Europe AB, Stockholm, Sweden) and real-time feedback was provided on a computer monitor with the associated software. Research personnel gave verbal encouragement during all repetitions performed. Attendance at training sessions will also be registered.
Sponsors
University of Seville
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Parallel
Primary purpose
Prevention
Masking
Open (masking not used)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
60 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
Participants >60 years of age who had not been engaged in any regular or systematic exercise-training program in the previous 12 months.
Exclusion criteria
Individuals, who had to be older than 60 years-of-age, were excluded if they had cognitive or functional disorders that adversely impacts skeletal muscle function or manifests in a mobility disorder.
Outcome results
None listed