Aging, Postural Balance, Strength Training Adaptations
Conditions
Keywords
Aging;, postural balance, Strength Training Adaptations
Brief summary
This randomized, parallel-group clinical trial evaluates a 12-week adapted CrossFit program versus usual activity in community-dwelling older adults. The primary endpoint is change in Timed Up and Go (TUG) from baseline to 12 weeks. Secondary outcomes include Functional Reach (FRT), Romberg (eyes closed), gait velocity, stride length, and lower-limb power tests (Chair-Stand, Stair Ascent, Stair Descent; time and W/kg). Sixty participants were randomized (1:1). Analyses used repeated-measures ANOVA with Bonferroni adjustments and Cohen's d effect sizes.
Detailed description
Participants were screened and randomized (1:1) to an adapted CrossFit program (12 weeks) or to maintain usual activities (no structured training). Baseline characterization included demographics, anthropometrics, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE ≥ 26), physical activity level, and handgrip strength. Balance outcomes: Romberg (s, eyes closed), gait velocity (m/s), stride length (cm), TUG (s), and FRT (cm). Lower-limb power: Chair-Stand (s; W/kg), Stair Ascent/Descent (s; W/kg). Statistical analysis: normality (Shapiro-Wilk), homogeneity (Levene), repeated-measures ANOVA with Bonferroni post-hoc, and Cohen's d effect sizes. A priori sample size (G\*Power 3.1): effect size 0.25, α = 0.05, power 0.80 → target n = 60 to account for attrition.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALAdapted CrossFit Program (12 weeks)
Supervised sessions focused on functional, multi-joint movements adapted for older adults; emphasis on safety and progressive overload.
Sponsors
University of Jaén
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
SINGLE (Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
65 Years to 80 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
Community-dwelling older adults able to walk independently without assistance. Cognitive function preserved, defined as a score of 26 points or higher on the Mini-Mental State Examination. Absence of severe health conditions that would interfere with participation in exercise training.
Exclusion criteria
Presence of active neuromuscular or musculoskeletal disorders that prevent safe exercise participation. Severe cardiovascular, pulmonary, or metabolic disease that contraindicates moderate-intensity exercise. Any other medical or psychological condition that, in the opinion of the investigators, would make participation unsafe or unreliable.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Timed Up and Go (TUG), seconds | Baseline and Week 12 | Change in functional mobility. Shorter time indicates better performance and reduced risk of falls. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Chair-Stand Test (CST) | Baseline and 12 weeks | Sit-to-stand repetitions (5 times). Lower time and higher relative power indicate better lower-limb strength and functional capacity. |
| Fear of Falling (Falls Efficacy Scale-International, FES-I) | Baseline and week 12 | Self-reported concern about falling during daily activities. Higher scores indicate greater fear of falling. |
| Sleep Quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, PSQI) | Baseline and week 12 | Subjective sleep quality over the previous month. Higher scores indicate poorer sleep quality. |
| Functional Reach Test (FRT) | Baseline and 12 weeks | Change in dynamic balance assessed by the distance a participant can reach forward without losing stability. Greater distance indicates better balance. |
| Gait Velocity, meters per second | Baseline and week 12 | Walking speed measured over a standardized distance. Higher speed indicates better mobility. |
| Stride Length, centimeters | Baseline and week 12 | Average step length during gait assessment. Longer stride indicates better gait performance. |
| Kinesiophobia (Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia, TSK) | Baseline and week 12 | Fear of movement measured with the Tampa Scale. Higher scores indicate greater kinesiophobia. |
| Anxiety and Depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, HADS) | Baseline and week 12 | Symptoms of anxiety and depression measured with HADS. Higher subscale scores indicate greater severity. |
Countries
Spain
Outcome results
None listed