Health TrialsbyHealthPanel

Feasibility of Pre-Conditioning FRT in Sarcopenia

ConditionSarcopenia in Elderly
Trial statusNot yet recruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexAll
Age65+
SponsorUniversity of Hull

About this trial

This study aims to assess whether a short, structured exercise programme is suitable and acceptable for older adults with early-stage muscle weakness (known as probable sarcopenia). Sarcopenia is a common condition associated with ageing that leads to reduced muscle strength, mobility, and independence, increasing the risk of falls, hospitalisation, and reduced quality of life.

Exercise, particularly resistance training, is recommended as the first-line treatment for sarcopenia. However, many programmes require participants to begin at relatively high levels of intensity, which may be challenging for individuals with low baseline strength or confidence. A short "pre-conditioning" phase of exercise may help prepare individuals physically and improve their ability to safely engage in more structured training in the future.

This study will investigate an 8-week functional resistance training (FRT) programme designed to improve movement ability, strength, and confidence using exercises that mimic everyday activities such as standing, stepping, and lifting. Participants will be randomly assigned to complete the same programme either in a supervised and clinic-based setting or independently and home-based setting following instruction and guidance.

The main aim of the study is to determine whether this type of programme is feasible and acceptable, including whether participants are willing to take part, attend sessions, and complete the programme safely. The study will also explore whether the programme may lead to improvements in physical function, strength, and quality of life.

Eligibility criteria

This trial does not accept healthy volunteers

Qualifiers

Aged ≥65 years

Confirmed at screening with probable sarcopenia according to EWGSOP2 criteria, defined as low muscle strength.

Community-dwelling,

Able to consent,

Disqualifiers

Diagnosed with Sarcopenia or severe sarcopenia (EWGSOP2)

Previous history of myocardial infarction within 12 months

Terminal illness,

Unstable cardiovascular disease

Trial design

Design model

Parallel

Treatments tested in this trial

  • Pre-Conditioning Functional Resistance Exercise Program

    Other intervention

    The intervention will consist of an 8-week pre-conditioning functional resistance training (FRT) programme, delivered twice weekly (30-60-minute sessions). Participants will be allocated to one of two groups: a supervised clinic-based exercise group or a home-based exercise group. The programme will focus on multi-joint, task-oriented movements designed to replicate activities of daily living and improve functional capacity. Exercise intensity and volume will be prescribed using an autoregulated approach based on Borg CR Scale ® (Borg CR10) Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE), allowing participants to adjust training in response to daily fatigue and readiness. Clinic-based sessions will be supervised and progressed by the Chief Investigator, while home-based participants will perform the same prescribed exercises independently following initial instruction, with ongoing support and monitoring provided throughout the intervention period.

Treatment groups

30 Participants
are divided into 2 treatment groups
Group A: 8-week clinic-based pre-conditioning functional resistance exercise programmeActive comparator 1 intervention
Group B: 8-week home-based pre-conditioning functional resistance exercise programmeActive comparator 1 intervention

Trial outcomes

Primary outcomes

1

Recruitment rate, eligibility rate, randomisation acceptability, adherence, retention rate and acceptability

Recruitment rate, eligibility rate, randomisation acceptability, adherence, retention rate and acceptability of the exercise programme completed both in clinic, and at home.

Time frame
From enrolment to the end of treatment at 8 weeks

Secondary outcomes

1

Muscle mass via Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis

Time frame
From enrolment until the end of the 8-week intervention period
2

Grip Strength with Hand Dynomometer

Time frame
From enrolment until the end of the 8-week intervention period
3

Gait Speed over 4m

Reported in m/s.

Time frame
From enrolment until the end of the 8-week intervention period
4

EQ-5D-5L

Quality of life questionnaire

Time frame
From enrolment until the end of the 8-week intervention period

Other outcomes

Locations

This trial has no locations.

Sponsors and contacts

Click on the lead sponsor to view all of their trials.

University of Hull

Lead sponsor

Source ClinicalTrials.gov

This trial is not recruiting at the moment. You can still explore other options: