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Effects of Aquatic Exercise in Older Adults With Sarcopenia:A Randomized Trial

NCT07575958 · Status: RECRUITING · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 44

Last updated 2026-05-12

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

Sarcopenia is a geriatric syndrome characterized by age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass, strength, and physical performance, leading to increased risk of falls, functional decline, and reduced quality of life. Exercise interventions, particularly resistance training, are effective in managing sarcopenia; however, land-based exercises may be challenging for older adults due to balance impairments, joint problems, and fear of falling.

Pool-based exercise programs may offer a safe and feasible alternative, as water buoyancy reduces joint loading while providing resistance to support muscle strengthening. Despite these potential benefits, evidence regarding the effects of aquatic exercise in individuals with sarcopenia remains limited, especially in Türkiye.

This study aims to evaluate the effects of a 6-week supervised pool-based exercise program on muscle strength, muscle morphology, physical performance, mood, and quality of life in individuals aged 65 years and older with sarcopenia. Sarcopenia will be identified using the Sonographic Thigh Adjustment Ratio (STAR), based on ultrasound measurements of anterior thigh muscle thickness. In addition, appendicular skeletal muscle mass will be assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis (ASM/height²).

Outcome measures will include ultrasound-based muscle thickness, STAR, muscle strength, functional performance tests, depressive symptoms, and health-related quality of life. Assessments will be performed at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and at 1-month follow-up.

Conditions

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Aquatic Exercise Program

The aquatic exercise program will be conducted under supervision in a pool environment for a total of 15 sessions over 6 weeks. The program will consist of 2 sessions per week during the first 3 weeks and 3 sessions per week during the last 3 weeks. Each session will include structured exercises designed to improve muscle strength, balance, and functional performance in older adults with sarcopenia. Participants will also continue a standardized home exercise program throughout the study period.

BEHAVIORAL

Home Exercise Program

Participants in the control group will perform a standardized home exercise program for a total of 6 weeks. The program will consist of exercises designed to improve muscle strength, balance, and functional performance in older adults with sarcopenia. Participants will be instructed to perform the exercises regularly at home throughout the study period. No supervised aquatic exercise or additional intervention will be provided.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Gaziosmanpasa Research and Education Hospital

    lead OTHER_GOV

Study Design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Model
PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age
65 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2026-04-01
Primary Completion
2026-06-30
Completion
2026-07-31

Countries

  • Turkey (Türkiye)

Study Locations

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Entities

Diseases

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 NCT07575958 on ClinicalTrials.gov