Multicomponent Training and Muscle Quality in Older Women

University of Salamanca

Status: Begins enrollment in 6 months

Conditions: Sarcopenia

Treatments: Other: Multicomponent training

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07359495

USalamancaMTUS

Details and patient eligibility

About

This study aims to evlauate the effect os a 32-week multicomponent training (MT) program on muscle architecture and muscle quality (assessed by ultrasound) in womer over 60 years. The study will also analyze concurrent changes in muscle strength, physical performance, and body composition. The hypothesis is that the training will induce positive architectural adaptations, such as reduced echogenicity and increased thickness in the rectus femoris and rectus abdominis muscles, correlating with improved functional independence.

Full description

Population aging emphasizes the need for "healthy aging", where muscle quality (MQ) is a vital metric. However, there is a lack of robust longitudinal protocols integrating ultrasound-assessed MQ with functional performance in older women. This randomized controlled trial involves community-dwelling women aged 60+ from the Geriatric Revitalization Program in Salamanca. Participants will be randomized (1:1) into an experimental group (multicomponent training) or a control group. The intervention is a 32-week supervised program (3 sessions/week, 50 min/session) combining aerobic, strength, balance, and coordination exercises. Primary outcomes focus on muscle architecture (echo intensity and thickness) in the rectus femoris and rectus abdominis muscles. Secondary outcomes include functional capacity (SPPB, TUG, 5-time sit-to-stand), handgrip strength, and body composition.

Enrollment: 40 estimated patients

Sex: Female

Ages: 60+ years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Being a woman over 60 years of age, residing in the community, and enrolled in the GPR

Exclusion criteria

• Having neuromuscular diseases, recent abdominal surgery, metal implants incompatible with measurements, unstable cardiovascular diseases, or previous participation in another exercise program.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

---

40 participants in 2 patient groups

Intervention Group (Multicomponent training)

Experimental group

Description:

Participants in this group will follow the multi-component exercise programme. The load progression will be based on individual perceived exertion. At the beginning of the intervention, participants will be taught how to interpret the modified Borg scale. At the end of each week, each person's perception of exertion will be recorded in relation to the three sessions completed. The aim will be to maintain a constant level of between 5 and 7 on the scale, which corresponds to 'hard' and 'very hard'. If the perceived exertion is greater than 7, it will be reduced, and conversely, if it is less than 5, the intensity will be increased.

Treatment:

Other: Multicomponent training

Control Group

No Intervention group

Description:

Participants in this group will maintain their usual diet and physical activity, without changing their habits during the intervention period. They will not participate in other physical exercise programs, nor will they engage in frequent and systematic physical exercise.