None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
This study will compare two exercise programs for adults aged 40 to 64 years to determine whether multi-planar functional training is more effective than machine-based strength training for improving balance performance and physical function during midlife. Participants will be randomly allocated to either a machine-based strength training program or a multi-planar functional training program, completed twice per week for 12 weeks at HSCfit, Hunter Sports Centre. Balance performance will be assessed using force plate technology, and lower limb muscle strength and power will be assessed using a countermovement jump test performed on force plate technology. The findings will help inform exercise approaches that may support early prevention of age-related balance decline and future falls risk before older age.
Interventions
Arm 1: Multi-planar functional training
Participants allocated to the multi-planar functional training group will complete a 12-week gym-based functional exercise program. The program will use mostly standing exercises performed with free weights, kettlebells, resistance bands, cable machines, steps, and balance equipment. Exercises will emphasise multi-joint movements across different directions and planes of motion, including stepping, lunging, reaching, rotating, carrying, and single-leg con
Arm 1: Multi-planar functional training Participants allocated to the multi-planar functional training group will complete a 12-week gym-based functional exercise program. The program will use mostly standing exercises performed with free weights, kettlebells, resistance bands, cable machines, steps, and balance equipment. Exercises will emphasise multi-joint movements across different directions and planes of motion, including stepping, lunging, reaching, rotating, carrying, and single-leg control tasks. Example exercises include reverse lunge to row, step-up with cable push, single-leg Romanian deadlift to overhead press, lateral lunge with rotation, and multi-directional reaches. The program will be delivered face to face in a semi-supervised format during staffed facility hours. Participants will complete sessions individually, with supervision and support available from HSCfit exercise staff and University of Newcastle exercise science and exercise physiology students. The Principal Researcher, an Accredited Exercise Physiologist, will oversee intervention delivery and program progression. Participants will attend two sessions per week for 12 weeks. Each session will be scheduled for approximately 60 minutes. Participants will complete approximately 2 to 3 sets of 8 to 12 repetitions or 60 to 90 seconds per exercise at a target rating of perceived exertion of 5 to 8. Exercises will be progressed or regressed individually according to tolerance, technique, movement competency, and perceived effort. The intervention will be delivered at HSCfit, Hunter Sports Centre, Glendale, New South Wales, Australia. Adherence will be monitored using attendance records, participant program cards, and session records. Program cards will document prescribed exercises, completion, progressions, modifications, and rating of perceived exertion. Missed sessions may be made up within the same training week where possible. Adverse events will be recorded using study session records and reviewed by the Principal Researcher.
Sponsors
The University of Newcastle
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Parallel
Primary purpose
Prevention
Masking
Open (masking not used)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
40 Years to 64 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
Community-dwelling, functionally independent adults aged 40 to 64 years who are able to read and understand English, provide informed consent, and safely participate in moderate-intensity exercise. Participants must have no structured exercise history or currently complete three or fewer structured exercise sessions per week. Structured exercise includes gym-based exercise, resistance training, functional training, HIIT, circuit classes, Pilates, yoga, personal training with a strength or balance component, and organised sport training. Incidental or recreational physical activity such as walking, recreational cycling, swimming, or running does not count towards the structured exercise threshold unless undertaken as part of a structured training program. Participants must also be classified as Tier 0 (sedentary), Tier 1 (recreationally active), or Tier 2 (trained/developmental) according to the Participant Classification Framework.
Exclusion criteria
Participants will be excluded if they are currently completing more than three structured exercise sessions per week; classified as Tier 3 (highly trained/national level), Tier 4 (elite/international level), or Tier 5 (world-class athlete) according to the Participant Classification Framework (McKay et al., 2022); have a neurological condition affecting balance or movement, such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, or multiple sclerosis; have a current vestibular or inner ear condition affecting balance; have a significant musculoskeletal limitation that prevents safe participation; have had surgery or significant injury within the past six months affecting exercise capacity; have an uncontrolled cardiovascular or medical condition; have cognitive impairment affecting ability to participate; are currently receiving physiotherapy for a balance or walking condition; are currently enrolled in a structured balance training or falls prevention program; have participated in another exercise intervention research study within the past three months; or have a planned absence that would prevent completion of the 12-week program.
Outcome results
None listed