Aging, Fatty Liver, Older Men, Quality of Life, Resistance Training
Conditions
Keywords
Older men, Quality of life, Fatty liver, Diaphragm thickness, Resistance training, Aging
Brief summary
This randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of a four-week moderate-intensity resistance training program on diaphragm thickness, hepatic fat density, and health-related quality of life in healthy community-dwelling older men aged 60-75 years. Thirty participants were randomly assigned to a resistance training group or control group. Diaphragm thickness and hepatic attenuation were assessed using non-contrast computed tomography, and quality of life was evaluated using the SF-12 questionnaire. The primary outcome was change in diaphragm thickness. Secondary exploratory outcomes included hepatic fat density and SF-12 physical and mental health scores.
Detailed description
Aging is associated with progressive decline in respiratory muscle morphology, metabolic health, and perceived quality of life. While resistance training is well established for peripheral muscle adaptation, its short-term effects on diaphragm morphology and hepatic tissue density remain insufficiently investigated. This randomized controlled pre-test-post-test trial enrolled 30 healthy men aged 60-75 years. Participants were randomly allocated (1:1) to: Resistance Training Group (RT) Control Group (CON) The RT group completed a supervised moderate-intensity resistance training program three times per week for four weeks (30-40 minutes/session, RPE 12-15). The control group maintained usual daily activities. Primary Outcome: Change in diaphragm thickness (mm) assessed by non-contrast CT Secondary Outcomes (Exploratory): Hepatic attenuation (Hounsfield Units) via CT SF-12 Physical Health Score SF-12 Mental Health Score The study was approved by the Hitit University Scientific Research Ethics Committee (2025/0464) and conducted according to the Declaration of Helsinki.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALResistance Training Group (RT)
Structured Moderate-Intensity Resistance Training
OTHERControl
Participants maintained their usual daily routines without structured exercise intervention.
Sponsors
Gümüşhane Universıty
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
OTHER
Masking
SINGLE (Outcomes Assessor)
Masking description
Participants were not blinded to group allocation because of the nature of the exercise intervention. The personnel delivering the intervention were also aware of group allocation. Outcome assessors, including the radiologist responsible for CT-based diaphragm thickness assessment, and the statistician were blinded to group allocation.
Intervention model description
Resistance Training Group (RT) The RT group completed a supervised moderate-intensity resistance training program three times per week for four weeks (30-40 minutes/session, RPE 12-15). The control group maintained usual daily activities.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
MALE
Age
60 Years to 75 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Male * Age 60-75 years * Community-dwelling and functionally independent * No structured exercise program in past 6 months * No musculoskeletal injury in past 6 months * Ability to provide written informed consent * Stable neuropsychological status
Exclusion criteria
* Chronic liver disease * Uncontrolled cardiovascular or pulmonary disease * Recent respiratory infection * Use of medications affecting muscle or liver metabolism (e.g., systemic corticosteroids, anabolic agents, hepatotoxic drugs) * Participation in structured exercise or respiratory training within past 6 months * Unstable thyroid hormone replacement therapy
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Diaphragm Thickness | 4 weeks | Diaphragm thickness measured in millimeters using non-contrast computed tomography at full inspiration. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatic Fat Density | 4 weeks | Measurement: CT attenuation (Hounsfield Units) Single ROI in segment VIII |
| SF-12 Physical Health Score | 4 weeks | Instrument: Short Form-12 Health Survey The physical and mental health scores of the SF-12 subdimensions range from 0 to 100, with higher scores representing better health. |
| SF-12 Mental Health Score | 4 weeks | Instrument: Short Form-12 Health Survey The physical and mental health scores of the SF-12 subdimensions range from 0 to 100, with higher scores representing better health. |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Outcome results
None listed