The Effect of Different Focus of Attention Instructions on Resistance Training and Its Transfer to Gait Parameters in Older Adults

Trial statusRecruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexAll
Age18+
SponsorEgas Moniz - Cooperativa de Ensino Superior, CRL

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

45 Participants
are divided into 3 treatment groups

Locations

1

Map coordinates are unavailable for these locations. Locations are shown below instead.

Egas Moniz School of Health & ScienceRecruiting2829 - 511, Monte de Caparica, AlmadaPortugalPortugal

Sponsors and collaborators

Egas Moniz - Cooperativa de Ensino Superior, CRL

Lead sponsor

Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia

Collaborator