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Effects of HIIT in Older Adults

NCT07170579 · Status: COMPLETED · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 39

Last updated 2025-09-12

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

This study investigated the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on functional fitness in older adults. As people age, they often experience a natural decline in physical abilities such as strength, flexibility, balance, and endurance, which can limit their ability to perform daily activities independently. Finding safe and effective exercise strategies to maintain or improve these abilities is critical for promoting healthy aging and preserving autonomy.

In this study, older adults participated in a structured HIIT program adapted to their functional capacity. HIIT consists of short bursts of intense physical activity followed by periods of active rest. This type of training is known for improving cardiovascular and muscular fitness in a short period of time.

Participants were assessed on various aspects of physical function before, during, and after the intervention. Tests included handgrip strength, upper and lower body strength, flexibility, aerobic endurance, and mobility.

The results showed that HIIT significantly improved physical function in older adults, including increased muscle strength, flexibility, aerobic capacity, and agility. These findings suggest that HIIT can be a safe, efficient, and accessible option to promote health and independence in the aging population.

Conditions

  • Aging

Interventions

OTHER

Exercise

Participants engaged in High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) sessions three times per week, each lasting 60 minutes. Sessions included a 10-minute warm-up, a central HIIT block with cycles of aerobic exercises performed at high intensity (30-60 seconds) alternated with active recovery (60-90 seconds), followed by a 10-minute aerobic functional segment and a 10-minute cool-down with stretching. Exercises included modified jumping jacks, stationary marching, high knees, squats, and functional movements tailored to the participants' physical capacity. Training intensity was monitored using the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion scale, targeting 13-17 during effort phases and 9-11 during recovery.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Instituto Politécnico de Bragança

    lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Model
PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age
60 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2024-04-01
Primary Completion
2025-06-15
Completion
2025-08-20

Countries

  • Portugal

Study Locations

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Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT07170579 on ClinicalTrials.gov