None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
This study is a randomized-controlled trial applying bench-stepping exercise as a functional training modality to improve stair walking performance in older people (60+) with increased fall risk. The main measurements will consist of motion recording using inertial measurement units and muscle activation using surface electromyography while ascending and descending stairs. We hypothesize that: (1) bench-stepping exercise will improve stair walking performance, reflected by changes in movement patterns of the center of mass. (2) these improvements will be reflected by changes in muscle activation patterns of the lower limbs.
Interventions
Participants in the experimental group will undergo a 12-week training intervention. The training will consist of 40 minutes of bench stepping exercise (total 1 hour per session including changing, warming-up, training and cooling-down) using modular height-adjustable stepping benches, performed 2 times per week. Each participant will receive a progression program that can be tailored to their baseline ability using incremental step heights. Modular increments will be used to determine the maxim
Participants in the experimental group will undergo a 12-week training intervention. The training will consist of 40 minutes of bench stepping exercise (total 1 hour per session including changing, warming-up, training and cooling-down) using modular height-adjustable stepping benches, performed 2 times per week. Each participant will receive a progression program that can be tailored to their baseline ability using incremental step heights. Modular increments will be used to determine the maximum step height at which the participants can complete all sets at the preset (moderate) pace (~30 steps/min) in both stepping directions (forwards and lateral). The moderate pace and number of repetitions was based on a previous successful protocol (doi: 10.1016/j.exger.2019.02.013) and was selected to mimic loading of leg press exercises at ~60% of 1-RM, All training sessions will be conducted in group, led by a fitness instructor in a dedicated fitness room at NeuRA. For safety reasons, the total height of the step + risers will not exceed 40cm. Session attendance will be monitored by the fitness instructor at the start of each training session using a checklist.
Sponsors
Dr. Remco Baggen - Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam & Neuroscience Research Australia
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Parallel
Primary purpose
Prevention
Masking
Blinded (masking used) (Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
65 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
1. Community-dwelling 2. 65 years or older 3. Able to walk without assistive devices for at least 10 minutes 4. Able to communicate in the English language 5. Indicate concern about falling (equal or greater than 11 on the 7-point FES-I) or have fallen in the past 12 months
Exclusion criteria
1. Neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, diabetic neuropathy, stroke, etc. 2. Severe arthritis that can be deteriorated by exercise (The Brief Pain Inventory) 3. Have a history of wrist, lower limb, pelvic or vertebral fracture(s) or joint replacement(as) in the past 6 months 4. Medications that may affect equilibrium and dizziness 5. Already exercising for three hours or more per week (Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly) 6. Have been advised against exercise by a medical practitioner
Outcome results
None listed