Boxing Training, Physical-functional Fitness and Cognitive Performance in Older Adults (Boxe4Ageing)

Universidade do Porto

Status: Active, not recruiting

Conditions: Healthy People Programs

Treatments: Other: Exercise; Other: Boxing training

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT05826314

262022

Details and patient eligibility

About

The aim of the study is to evaluate and to compare the effects of two exercise regimes (Boxing Training -BT and Multicomponent Training -MT) and 12 weeks of follow-up on cognitive health status, physical-functional fitness, and risk of falls in community-dwelling elders.

This is a quasi-experimental controlled trial using a parallel-group design. Participants will be allocated to 3 groups (i.e. BT, MT or control group [no intervention]). Both exercise programs (BT and MT) will last 24 weeks, twice a week, 45 minutes per session. Participants of all groups will be assessed for Senior Fitness test, and body weight at 4 moments (baseline, 12 weeks and 24 weeks of exercise and a follow-up period lasting 12 weeks).

Our hypotheses are:

1. In comparison with the control group, both exercise groups (BT and MT) will positively improve their physical-functional fitness, cognitive health status and risk of falls with the interventions
2. The observed effects on physical-functional fitness, cognitive health status, and risk of falls as a result of the exercise programs will be similar.
3. During the follow-up period, both exercise groups will experiment reductions on physical-functional fitness, cognitive health status, and risk of falls.

Full description

Aging is associated with functional and cognitive decline (1, 2), which are causal factors of falls in the elderly. According to available evidence, alleviation of these conditions can be achieved through regular exercise of the multicomponent type (MT) (3). However, in TM programs, "muscle power" takes a secondary role (5) although it is extremely important to preserve the integrity of the neuromuscular system (6). Studies indicate that combat sports may represent an exercise strategy that combines muscular fitness, cardiorespiratory fitness, agility, and balance (7), in addition to falling within the scope of dual-task programs (i.e., physical and cognitive) because they require memorization of combinations of attacking and defending movements, quick decision-making, and movement by coordinating simultaneous leg and hand movements (8). Seminal work with adapted boxing for elderly parkinsonians has demonstrated positive results in health indicators (9, 10). But the effectiveness of this modality in apparently healthy elderly is still unknown. Therefore, this project aims to compare the effects of boxing training and multi-component training on physical-functional fitness, cognitive performance, and the risk of falls in older people.

The study comprises a quantitative quasi-experimental design, will be conducted in the metropolitan area of Porto, Portugal. The study sample will consist of healthy individuals from the community, aged ≥ 60 years, who will be recruited in community programs, municipalities, health centers, and social media platforms through phone calls and informational flyers. Those who accept to participate will be informed about the project objectives and procedures. Participation will be voluntary, and everyone will be required to sign the Free and Informed Consent form.

Participants will be allocated into intervention groups: (Boxing training group or Multicomponent training group) or the Control Group (No intervention). The main results will be the physical-functional fitness measured through the Senior Fitness test, Cosmed K5b2, Handgrip strength, ball throw, isokinetic strength, cognitive performance evaluated by neurocognitive and psychological tests, in addition and the risk of falls evaluated by the Biodex® Balance System. Secondary outcomes will be brain activity by means of the electroencephalogram (EEG), bodycomposition, bone mineral density, quality of life and satisfaction with exercise.

The research protocol will follow the CONSORT/SPIRIT guidelines.

Enrollment: 75 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 60+ years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Male or female participants aged ≥60 years;
• Community-dwelling older adults;
• Do not present any medical contraindication for physical activity;

Exclusion criteria

• Individuals diagnosed with certain disorders or conditions in which exercise is contraindicated such as unstable or ongoing cardiovascular and/or respiratory disorders;
• Presence of major neurological and Neurocognitive disorders (Portuguese version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment - MoCA) (12);

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Non-Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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75 participants in 3 patient groups

Experimental group 1 (adapted boxing)

Experimental group

Description:

Experimental boxing - The general structure of adapted boxing will include a 10-minute warm-up consisting of walking at a slow, self-selected speed, and at the same time joint rotation exercises; followed by 25-30 minutes of adapted boxing (consisting of non-contact activities, distributed in coordination and balance/footwork, shadow boxing-choreography (sequence of arm and leg movements that simulate an imaginary fight and punching bag), to end the session there will be a content fixation exercise, relaxation with gentle movements and breathing for 5 -10 minutes.

Treatment:

Other: Boxing training

Experimental group 2 (multi-component training)

Active Comparator group

Description:

Sessions will be divided in 10 minutes warm-up (including slow walk, postural and mobility exercises for general activation, and stretching exercises), specific training (25-30 minutes, including balance/coordination training, strength, and aerobic exercises) and cool down 5 - 10 minutes (breathing and stretching exercises for the main worked joints and muscles) following the main guidelines recommended by the American College of Sports Medicine (4) and the WHO (3).

Treatment:

Other: Exercise

Control group

No Intervention group

Description:

Participants from the control group will participate in all assessments moments, and will be asked to maintain their usual activities. At the end of the intervention period, the control group will be invited to participate in a physical activity program that takes place at the University.