Muscle Aging Evaluation

ConditionPreventing Age-Related Muscle Loss: the Role of Exercise in Improving Strength, Function, and Well-being

Trial statusNot yet recruiting

Trial phaseNot applicable

Trial typeInterventional

Biological sexAll

Age18+

SponsorUniversity of Milan

About this trial

This study aims to assess the effects of physical activity in counteracting muscle aging. The increasing life expectancy worldwide has led to a rise in age-related muscle decline, which negatively impacts strength, function, and overall quality of life. Sedentary lifestyles further accelerate this process, increasing the risk of frailty, falls, fractures, and disability.

This randomized controlled trial (RCT) will investigate whether a structured exercise program can help reduce muscle deterioration. The study will involve 200 participants, divided into three age groups: i) Young adults (18-35 years); ii) Middle-aged adults (35-65 years); iii) Older adults (\>65 years).

Participants will be assigned to either a physical activity intervention group or a control group. The intervention group will follow a 48-week structured program including, muscle-strengthening sessions (bodyweight exercises at home) and aerobic sessions (moderate-intensity cardio exercise). The control group will not receive any exercise prescription.

The primary objective is to evaluate whether physical activity improves muscle strength, measured through handgrip strength at 12 and 48 weeks.

Secondary objectives include: i) assessing changes in muscle mass, function, and quality of life; ii) measuring improvements in physical performance (aerobic capacity, balance, and mobility tests); iii) evaluating psychological and cognitive well-being.

This 48-week trial will consist of: i) baseline assessments (body composition, strength tests, physical and cognitive evaluations); ii) intervention period (12 weeks of structured training for the experimental group); iii) follow-up assessments (at 12 and 48 weeks).

All participants will undergo periodic evaluations, including anthropometric and body composition measurements (weight, BMI, muscle mass), aerobic and muscle strength tests (handgrip, knee extension, 1-rep max tests), functional mobility assessments (six-minute walking test, chair-stand test), psychological and cognitive evaluations (mood profiles, quality of life surveys, cognitive tests).

Engaging in regular exercise may help participants: i) maintain muscle mass and strength; ii) improve physical function and balance; iii) enhance overall well-being and independence; iv) reduce the risk of age-related disabilities.

Additionally, the study aims to provide valuable insights into the role of exercise in healthy aging, helping healthcare providers develop personalized interventions for older adults.

Eligibility criteria

This trial accepts healthy volunteers

Qualifiers

Adults aged 18 years and older.

Must be able to engage in physical activity as prescribed in the study protocol.

No pre-existing musculoskeletal conditions that would prevent safe participation.

No history of hospitalization in the six weeks prior to enrollment.

Disqualifiers

Severe Medical Conditions (cardiovascular diseases, severe respiratory diseases, neurological disorders)

Cognitive and Psychological Conditions (severe cognitive impairment or dementia, psychiatric disorders)

Pregnancy

Use of anabolic or muscle-enhancing substances (use of steroids, testosterone therapy, or other performance-enhancing drugs within the past 6 months)

Trial design

Design model

Parallel

Treatments tested in this trial

Physical activity Group
Other intervention
This intervention consists of a 48-week structured physical activity program designed to counteract age-related muscle decline. Participants assigned to this group will engage in a home-based exercise program, including muscle-strengthening exercises (bodyweight exercises targeting major muscle groups; progressive difficulty based on individual capacity; designed for feasibility in daily life, requiring no specialized equipment) and aerobic exercise (moderate-intensity cardiovascular activity (e.g., brisk walking, cycling); target heart rate between 65-75% of the estimated maximum heart rate). The program follows guidelines from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and aims to improve muscle strength, function, and quality of life. It is distinct from other studies as it specifically targets preventing sarcopenia and muscle loss through a practical, home-based, and scalable intervention. Participants will be monitored through periodic assessments.

Treatment groups

200 Participants

are divided into 2 treatment groups

Group A: Physical activity groupExperimental treatment 1 intervention

Group B: Control GroupNo intervention 0 interventions

Trial outcomes

Primary outcomes

Change in handgrip strength at 12 and 48 weeks

Handgrip strength will be measured using a hand dynamometer to assess the maximal isometric force of the dominant hand. The mean of three trials will be recorded, with 60-second rest intervals between attempts. An increase in handgrip strength over time will indicate the effectiveness of the physical activity intervention in maintaining or improving muscle function in aging adults.

Time frame