Optimizing Strength Training in Older Adults

This study is looking at how different types of strength training affect older adults. Researchers want to see if lifting lighter weights with more repetitions, or using standard strength training with heavier weights and moderate repetitions, can improve physical function, muscle mass, power, and strength. You might be able to join if you are 65 or older, have an inactive lifestyle, and don't regularly do structured strength training. The study will measure your walking ability at the beginning and after 21 weeks to see if the training helps.

Study design: This interventional study plans to enroll 68 participants to compare two different strength training programs.
What's involved: Participants will perform supervised strength training twice per week for 20 weeks. Your walking ability will be measured at the start and at week 21.
Compensation: Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up: Your walking ability will be measured at baseline and at week 21.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

Optimizing Strength Training in Older Adults

Recruiting

NAAges 65+Interventional

Queens College, The City University of New York

~68 participants

Updated 2025-07-30 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What's tested:Strength training

At a glance

Recruiting sites

1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now

RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open

What they're measuring

6-minute walk test

Measured over Baseline and week 21

Conditions

Aging

NCT06812143

Where you'd take part

This study runs at 1 site. They're the same protocol — you choose where, and that choice sets who your contact draft is addressed to.

Exercise & Aging Lab, Queens College
Flushing, New Yorkstudy coordinator listed
Recruiting

Sites open and close at different times, so the status above is per site — it can differ from the study's overall status.

Who to contact

Anoop T Balachandran, PhD

[email protected]

718-997-2729

Email the study team

Opens a ready-to-send draft in your own email app — review before sending.

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Add a private profile and we'll compare every criterion below against your situation — and tell you which ones are met, uncertain, or excluding.

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Males and females aged 65 years and above

Inactive lifestyle (\< 150 min 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

Exclusion

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 either oral or injected steroids, or the use of supplemental oxygen

Short, portable mental status questionnaire with 3 or more errors

Severe arthritis (either osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis)

Cancer requiring treatment in the past 1 year (melanomas excluded)

Development of chest pain or severe shortness of breath during the 6 min self-paced 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 facilities or other similar institutions

Currently enrolled in another randomized trial involving a pharmaceutical or lifestyle intervention

Weight change (intentional or not) over the last 6 months of \> 5% of body weight, or plan to lose or gain weight during the study

Any other cardiovascular, pulmonary, orthopedic, neurologic, or other conditions that would preclude participation and successful completion of the protocol

Severe hypertension, e.g., SBP \> 200 mm Hg, DBP \> 110 mm Hg

Major surgery or fracture or hip/knee replacement within the last 6 months

Hospitalization within the last 6 months (excluding ER visits)

What this trial measures

6-minute walk testBaseline and week 21
Change in the total distance walked in 6 minutes. The 6-minute walk test is an objective, well-validated, and clinically meaningful measure of physical function in older adults.

Trialytics