Actively Recruiting
Optimizing Strength Training in Older Adults
Led by Queens College, The City University of New York · Updated on 2025-07-30
68
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
102 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
Q
Queens College, The City University of New York
Lead Sponsor
N
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
The objective of the current study is to determine whether lifting lighter loads close to failure improves strength training adaptations and function in older adults. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. The effect of light loads on physical function 2. The effect of light loads on muscle mass, power, and strength Researchers will compare a light-load, high-repetition program to a standard strength training program. Participants will perform supervised strength training twice per week for 20 weeks.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Optimizing Strength Training in Older Adults
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Males and females aged 65 years and above
- Inactive lifestyle (less than 150 minutes per week of moderate intensity physical activity) and not regularly participating in a structured strength training program
- Planning to reside in the area for the duration of the study
You will not qualify if you...
- Severe cardiac disease including Class III or IV congestive heart failure, clinically significant aortic stenosis, history of cardiac arrest, use of a cardiac defibrillator, or uncontrolled angina
- Lung disease requiring oral or injected steroids, or use of supplemental oxygen
- Short portable mental status questionnaire with 3 or more errors
- Severe arthritis (osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis)
- Cancer requiring treatment in the past year (melanomas excluded)
- Development of chest pain or severe shortness of breath during the 6-minute walk test
- Parkinson's disease or other serious neurological disorders
- Renal disease requiring dialysis
- Current diagnosis of schizophrenia, other psychotic disorders, or bipolar disorder
- Current consumption of more than 14 alcoholic drinks per week
- Severe lower back or shoulder pain that may worsen with weightlifting exercises
- Undergoing physical therapy involving the lower extremities
- Living in nursing homes, assisted living, or similar institutions
- Currently enrolled in another randomized trial involving pharmaceutical or lifestyle intervention
- Weight change over the last 6 months of more than 5% of body weight or plans to lose or gain weight during the study
- Any other cardiovascular, pulmonary, orthopedic, neurologic, or other conditions precluding participation
- Temporary exclusions including severe hypertension, recent major surgery or fracture, or hospitalization within the last 6 months (excluding ER visits)
AI-Screening
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Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Exercise & Aging Lab, Queens College
Flushing, New York, United States, 11367
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
A
Anoop T Balachandran, PhD
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
OTHER
Number of Arms
2
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