Enhancing Physical Reserve to Promote Resilience in Physically Frail Older Adults

Trial statusRecruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexAll
Age60-90
SponsorThe Hong Kong Polytechnic University

About this trial

The goal of this clinical trial is to assess the efficacy of combined aerobic and resistance training in enhancing physical reserve in older adults with physical frailty. Investigator contend that enhanced physical reserve will enable preservation of cognitive and physical function. The main questions aims to answer are: (1) Compared with usual care (i.e., CON), will 3-month aerobic and resistance training (ATRT) improve physical reserve in older adults with physical frailty? (2) Compared with CON, will ATRT lead to changes in the neural network organization? (3) Will improved physical reserve lead to better maintenance of cognitive and physical functioning in spite of presence of white matter hyperintensities (WMH)?

Eligibility criteria

Qualifiers

are community-dwelling (i.e., not residing in a nursing home or extended care unit) ;

scored < 9/12 on the SPPB;

scored >18/30 on the MoCA;

are able to walk independently; use of walking aid is acceptable;

Disqualifiers

diagnosed with dementia or stroke;

self-report engaging in strength and balance training exercises > two-times-per-week in the 3 months prior to screening;

unable to understand, speak, and read Cantonese/Chinese/English proficiently; and

contraindications for MRI such as MRI-incompatible implants.

Trial design

Treatments tested in this trial

  • Aerobic and resistance training
  • Usual Care

Treatment groups

224 Participants
are divided into 2 treatment groups