About this trial
The goal of this clinical trial is to investigate the effects of strength training with different focus of attention strategies on plantar flexor force and how this affects gait in apparently healthy older adults. The main questions it aims to answer are:
* Is there an acute effect of focus of attention on non-linear force variability and the subjacent neurophysiological mechanisms in apparently healthy young and older adults? * Is there a training effect of focus of attention on non-linear force variability and does it transfer to non-linear gait variability as well as the respective subjacent neurophysiological mechanisms in apparently healthy older adults?
Researchers will compare two different external focus strategies with an internal focus to see if non-linear variability increases and subjacent neurophysiological mechanisms are more automized with an external focus of attention compared to an internal focus. In the acute study young adults are assessed as the differences between focus conditions are thought to be in the same direction as for older adults but attenuated.
Participants will carry out training and strength assessments of the calf muscles and walking on a treadmill.
Eligibility criteria
Qualifiers
None
Disqualifiers
Severe cardiovascular or pulmonary disease
Oncological disease
Lower limb disabilities
Neurological disorders
Trial design
Treatments tested in this trial
- Strength training with an internal focus of attention
- Strength training with a proprioceptive external focus of attention
- Strength training with a visual external focus of attention
Treatment groups
Locations
1Map coordinates are unavailable for these locations. Locations are shown below instead.
Sponsors and collaborators
Egas Moniz - Cooperativa de Ensino Superior, CRL
Lead sponsor
Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Collaborator