Effects of Exercise Poles on Older Adults During Exercise Walking

Phase 1

Completed

• Conditions: Movement Disorders; Aging

• Registration Number: NCT00037167
• Lead Sponsor: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)

Brief Summary

This study uses a patented type of exercise poles, developed to assist runners rehabilitating from lower body injuries. These poles may offer older adults improved stability, reduced fear of falling, and lessened lower body pain when exercise walking.

Detailed Description

Phase 1 (being concluded as of Feb 2002) used 18 older adults to investigate prototype versions of the running poles. Preliminary results, after 3 months of testing, indicate the poles are safe and effective. Phase 2 will use improved versions of the poles, which are currently in development, with a group of around 125-150 subjects over a longer length of time (12 months). Changes in walking gait quality, balance, strength, body composition, exercise adherence, and subjective perceptions of wellness will be assessed before, during, and after the 12 month exercise session.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2001-09
• Study First Submitted: 2002-05-16
• Study First Submitted QC: 2002-05-16
• Study First Posted: 2002-05-17
• Primary Completion: 2007-04
• Study Completion: 2007-04
• Status Verified: 2009-04
• Last Update Submitted: 2009-04-08
• Last Update Posted: 2009-04-09

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 150

Inclusion Criteria

• Age 65-80
• Normal gait

Exclusion Criteria

• Inability to walk continuously for 5 minutes
• Contraindication from a personal physician
• Height over 6'2" or weight over 200 lbs (due to limitations of existing pole design)
• Mild to severe cognitive impairment

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

School of Physical Education, Biomechanics Lab; 🇺🇸 Muncie, Indiana, United States