TRX Suspension Training for Sarcopenia in Older Men (TRX-SARC)

WeiJin Zhang

Status: Completed

Conditions: Sarcopenia

Treatments: Other: Usual Daily Activities; Behavioral: TRX Suspension Training

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07398092

YBU-TRX-SARC-2024-01

Details and patient eligibility

About

This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effects of a 12-week TRX suspension training program on physical fitness, gait performance, and selected blood biomarkers in older men with sarcopenia. Sarcopenia is an age-related condition characterized by loss of muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical function, which increases the risk of falls, disability, and reduced quality of life.

A total of 36 older men diagnosed with sarcopenia were randomly assigned to either a TRX suspension training group or a control group. The training group participated in supervised TRX exercise sessions three times per week for 12 weeks, with each session lasting approximately 60 minutes. The control group maintained their usual daily activities without structured exercise intervention.

Physical fitness, walking ability, and blood biomarkers related to inflammation and muscle growth were assessed before and after the intervention. The study aimed to determine whether TRX suspension training is a safe and effective exercise approach for improving muscle strength, balance, walking ability, and biological indicators associated with sarcopenia in older adults.

Full description

This study was a single-center, randomized controlled trial designed to examine the effects of TRX suspension training on physical fitness, gait performance, and inflammatory- and growth-related biomarkers in older men with sarcopenia.

Eligible participants were men aged 65 years and older who met established diagnostic criteria for sarcopenia based on low handgrip strength, reduced skeletal muscle mass index, and slow gait speed. After screening, 36 participants were randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to either an experimental group receiving TRX suspension training or a control group maintaining usual daily activities.

The intervention consisted of a 12-week TRX suspension training program conducted three times per week. Each training session lasted approximately 60 minutes and included a warm-up period, a main training phase, and a cool-down period. The exercise program emphasized multi-joint, whole-body movements targeting the upper limbs, lower limbs, and trunk. Training intensity and difficulty were progressively adjusted using body angle and support-point principles to ensure safety and individualized progression for older participants.

Assessments were performed before the intervention and within 48 hours after completion of the 12-week program. Outcome measures included physical fitness tests (upper- and lower-limb muscle strength, balance, and agility), gait performance tests (mobility, walking speed, and walking endurance), and fasting blood biomarkers related to inflammation and muscle growth, including interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, insulin-like growth factor-1, C-reactive protein, and vitamin D.

The primary objective of the study was to determine whether TRX suspension training could improve muscle strength and functional mobility in older men with sarcopenia. Secondary objectives included evaluating changes in gait performance and selected biological markers associated with inflammation and muscle metabolism. This study aimed to provide evidence supporting the use of TRX suspension training as a safe and effective exercise strategy for improving physical function and reducing fall risk in older adults with sarcopenia.

Enrollment: 36 patients

Sex: Male

Ages: 65+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Male participants aged 65 years or older.
• Diagnosis of sarcopenia based on established criteria, including low handgrip strength, reduced skeletal muscle mass index, and slow gait speed.
• Ability to walk independently without assistive devices.
• Ability to understand the study procedures and provide written informed consent.
• Willingness to participate in the 12-week intervention and complete all required assessments.

Exclusion criteria

• Presence of severe cardiovascular disease or other medical conditions that contraindicate moderate-intensity exercise.
• Diagnosis of severe depression, dementia, or other neurological or psychiatric disorders that could interfere with participation.
• Participation in other structured exercise or training programs during the study period.
• History of drug or alcohol abuse.
• Any musculoskeletal, neurological, or systemic condition that would prevent safe participation in the exercise intervention.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

---

36 participants in 2 patient groups

TRX Suspension Training Group

Experimental group

Description:

Participants assigned to this arm received a supervised TRX suspension training program for 12 weeks. Training sessions were conducted three times per week, with each session lasting approximately 60 minutes. The program included progressive, whole-body resistance exercises targeting the upper limbs, lower limbs, and trunk.

Treatment:

Behavioral: TRX Suspension Training

Control Group

Other group

Description:

Participants in the control group maintained their usual daily activities throughout the 12-week study period and did not participate in any structured exercise or training intervention.

Treatment:

Other: Usual Daily Activities