MedPath

Influence of Strength Training and Protein Supplementation on Fitness of Institutionalized Elderly

Not Applicable
Conditions
Aging
Interventions
Behavioral: Cognitive Training
Behavioral: Strength Training
Dietary Supplement: FortiFit
Registration Number
NCT01775111
Lead Sponsor
University of Vienna
Brief Summary

The aim of this randomized, observer-blind, controlled intervention study with parallel groups is to study the effect of strength training (2x/week for 6 months) with and without additional dietary supplementation (protein-enriched) on muscle strength, function and mass, oxidative stress parameters and the immune system in elderly institutionalized persons.

The participants (n = 120) are recruited from Viennese senior residencies (Kuratorium Wiener Pensionistenwohnheime). After a pre-participation screening participants will be distributed randomly but stratified by sex and age to one of the 3 intervention groups (cognitive training, strength training, strength training + supplement).

Study participants are eligible if they are male or female with an age over 65 years and if their cognitive status as well as their physical fitness level allows to participate at the strength training sessions. Exclusion criteria comprise chronic diseases which contraindicate the medical training therapy, serious cardiovascular disease, diabetic retinopathy and manifest osteoporosis, medication with anticoagulants or cortisone drugs and also regular strength training during the last six months.

Primary outcome measure is the change in isokinetic torque of knee extensors. Secondary outcome measures comprise anthropometric data, functional performance tests, immunological and oxidative stress parameters. The change in muscle signaling pathways will be assessed from muscle biopsies.

Detailed Description

Not available

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
UNKNOWN
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
120
Inclusion Criteria
  • Adequate mental condition in order to follow the instructions and to perform the resistance exercise independently (Mini-Mental-State >23)
  • Ability to walk 10 meters independently (without orthopaedic devices)
  • 4 or more points at the Short Physical Performance Battery
Exclusion Criteria
  • Chronic diseases, which contraindicate a medical training therapy
  • Serious cardiovascular diseases (congestive chronic heart failure, severe or symptomatic aortic stenosis, unstable angina pectoris, untreated arterial hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias)
  • Diabetic retinopathy
  • Manifest osteoporosis
  • Regular use of cortisone-containing drugs
  • Regular strength training (> 1x / week) in the last 6 months before inclusion

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Cognitive TrainingCognitive TrainingCognitive Training (riddles, skill games, ...) is performed twice a week in small groups
Strength TrainingStrength TrainingProgressive strength training is applied, meaning that the intensity is adjusted continuously in order to obtain a sufficient training stimulus. Exercises are chosen to involve the major muscle groups and are performed by using the own body weight or elastic bands.
Strength Training and SupplementStrength TrainingIn addition to strength training as described above, participants receive a water-soluble dietary supplement 9x/week (FortiFit, Nutricia) consisting of 20.7 g of protein (56 En%, 19.7 g whey protein, 3 g leucine,\> 10 g essential amino acids), 9.3 g carbohydrates (25 En%, 0.8 BE), 3.0 g fat (18 En%), 1.2 g fiber (2 En%), 800 IU (20μg) of vitamin D, 250mg calcium, vitamins B6 and B12, folic acid and magnesium.
Strength Training and SupplementFortiFitIn addition to strength training as described above, participants receive a water-soluble dietary supplement 9x/week (FortiFit, Nutricia) consisting of 20.7 g of protein (56 En%, 19.7 g whey protein, 3 g leucine,\> 10 g essential amino acids), 9.3 g carbohydrates (25 En%, 0.8 BE), 3.0 g fat (18 En%), 1.2 g fiber (2 En%), 800 IU (20μg) of vitamin D, 250mg calcium, vitamins B6 and B12, folic acid and magnesium.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
change from baseline in isokinetic torque of knee extensorsbaseline and 6 months
Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
change from baseline in high-sensitive C reactive proteinbaseline and 6 months
change from baseline in 6min walking testbaseline and 6 months
change from baseline in handgrip strengthbaseline and 6 months
change from baseline in single leg balance standbaseline and 6 months
change from baseline in lean body massbaseline and 6 months
change from baseline in muscular myostatin expressionbaseline and 6 months
change from baseline in DNA strand breaksbaseline and 6 months

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

University of Vienna, Centre of Sports Science and University Sports

🇦🇹

Vienna, Austria

© Copyright 2025. All Rights Reserved by MedPath