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Comparative Effects Between a Resistance Training and a Combined Balance and Strength Training on Functional Fitness and Fall Risk in Older Adults

NCT07555249 · Status: COMPLETED · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 111

Last updated 2026-04-29

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of two different training protocols on muscle strength, flexibility, aerobic endurance, balance and walking ability in older adults in order to reduce their fall risk. The participants (n=110) aged 65-85 years, self-sufficient and physically active, were randomly assigned to a resistance training (RT) group and a combined balance and strength (BS) group. Both groups attended supervised sessions of 3 hours twice a week for 6 weeks. To measure the functional fitness, before and after the training program the Senior Fitness Test Battery was used, while physical activity level and fear of falling were assessed with self-reported questionnaires. Moreover, participants were asked to record the number of falls they had over the next two years after the end of the training program.

Conditions

  • Accidental Fall

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Elastic-band resistance training

Supervised group-based resistance training with elastic bands, targeting major upper- and lower-limb muscle groups. Sessions include warm-up, a structured resistance phase with music-based exercises, and cool-down, with progressive increases in band resistance and exercise volume to improve lower-limb strength, dynamic balance, and reduce fall risk.

BEHAVIORAL

Functional and balance circuit training

Supervised multistation circuit combining bodyweight strengthening exercises and dynamic balance tasks (e.g., directional changes, stepping, and weight-shifting activities). Sessions include warm-up, one or two rounds of the circuit, and cool-down, with progressive increases in task complexity to enhance postural control, dynamic stability, and reduce fall risk.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • University of Palermo

    lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Model
PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age
60 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2022-11-01
Primary Completion
2024-05-30
Completion
2025-05-30

Countries

  • Italy

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 NCT07555249 on ClinicalTrials.gov