MedPath

Power During Functional Tasks in Older Adults

Completed
Conditions
Aging
Interventions
Diagnostic Test: Muscle function test
Registration Number
NCT04019132
Lead Sponsor
Universitaire Ziekenhuizen KU Leuven
Brief Summary

The primary aim of this study is to optimize the methodology to measure lower limb power in older adults, so that clinicians are able to detect functional problems in this population earlier.

Detailed Description

Aging is associated with slower movement patterns, a higher fall risk and a restriction in functionality. This will lead to an increase in the number of dependent elderly and a high socio-economic burden. From the age of 40, a systematic loss of muscle mass and muscle force, also known as sarcopenia, will occur. In addition, performing daily tasks requires the production of muscle force at a certain speed. The product of force and speed, power, decreases even earlier and faster than muscle force.

This power is typically measured with specialized equipment, which limits the large-scale applicability. With the help of accelerometry there is the possibility to measure power during more functional tasks and movements, which benefits the applicability, but the reliability, reference values and link with other outcome measurements related to sarcopenia has to be investigated.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
284
Inclusion Criteria
  • Age >20
Exclusion Criteria
  • Unstable cardiovascular diseases
  • Fever or acute infection
  • Cognitive or physical malfunctioning that hinders the understanding or performance of tests and/or instructions

Study & Design

Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Study Design
Not specified
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Middle-aged group 1Muscle function testAdults between the age of 40 and 55 years
Older adultsMuscle function testOlder adults aged \>65 years
Young groupMuscle function testYounger adults between the age of 20 and 40 years
Middle-aged group 2Muscle function testAdults between the age of 55 and 65 years
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Reliability of power measurements measured with a 3D accelerometer1 test moment of approximately 30 minutes, planned between September 2019 and July 2020

Reliability of power measurements (watt) measured with a 3D accelerometer (DynaPort MoveTest, McRoberts) worn during functional activities (stair climbing, sit-to-stand test) three times within a period of 2 weeks

Rate of power (force-velocity) development1 test moment of approximately 1 hour, planned between September 2019 and July 2020

Participants perform a test protocol on a Biodex Dynamometer. The rate of power development (watt/s) is defined as the linear slope of the power-time curve and is measured from the onset of movement till peak power.

Lower limb muscle power during a stair climb test1 test moment of approximately 1 hour, planned between September 2019 and July 2020

The power (watt) needed to perform stair climbing is calculated using a 3D accelerometer (DynaPort MoveTest, McRoberts), worn at the back of the participant

Physical activity1 week

Objective measurement of physical activity in a subgroup of older participants (n=50) by means of accelerometry

Number of steps/stairs a day1 week

Objective measurement of physical activity in a subgroup of older participants (n=50) by means of accelerometry

Lower limb muscle power during a sit-to-stand test1 test moment of approximately 1 hour, planned between September 2019 and July 2020

The power (watt) needed to perform 5 sit-to-stand transitions and a 30 sec. sit-to-stand test is calculated using a 3D accelerometer (DynaPort MoveTest, McRoberts), worn at the back of the participant

Handgrip strength1 test moment of approximately 1 hour, planned between September 2019 and July 2020

Handgrip strength (kg) evaluated with a Jamar dynamometer

Jumping height1 test moment of approximately 1 hour, planned between September 2019 and July 2020

Jumping height (in cm) measured during a standardized jump test

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Balance1 test moment of approximately 1 hour, planned between September 2019 and July 2020

Number of seconds a participant can hold a tandem stand, a semi-tandem stand or with the feet together

Maximal gait speed1 test moment of approximately 1 hour, planned between September 2019 and July 2020

The average speed to walk 3m as fast as possible (in m/s)

Maximal isokinetic strength1 test moment of approximately 1 hour, planned between September 2019 and July 2020

Maximal strength (Nm) is measured by means of unilateral isokinetic knee-extensor tests on a Biodex Dynamometer

Number of repetitions during a 30s sit-to-stand test1 test moment of approximately 1 hour, planned between September 2019 and July 2020

Number of complete sit-to-stand transitions in 30 sec.

Usual gait speed1 test moment of approximately 1 hour, planned between September 2019 and July 2020

The average speed to walk 4m at a usual pace (in m/s)

Maximal isometric strength1 test moment of approximately 1 hour, planned between September 2019 and July 2020

Maximal strength (Nm) is measured by means of unilateral isometric knee-extensor tests on a Biodex Dynamometer

6min walk distance1 test moment of approximately 1 hour, planned between September 2019 and July 2020

The walk distance (in m) covered in 6 min.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

KU Leuven - Department of Movement Sciences

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Leuven, Vlaams-Brabant, Belgium

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