HIT Training in the Frail Elderly.

University of Nottingham32 enrolled

Overview

This pilot study aims to investigate whether high intensity interval training can result in rapid improvements in physical fitness amongst the frail elderly (over 70 years old). Participants will undergo a wide range of physical fitness measures followed by a four week exercise protocol. Determination of improvement will be by repeated testing of the physical measures taken for baseline. The primary outcome measure will be anaerobic threshold. There will also be a subgroup of participants who will undergo muscle biopsy and D2O ingestion to allow an insight into the mechanistic basis behind exercise training response in this age group.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

Purpose

BASIC_SCIENCE

Masking

SINGLE

Enrollment

Conditions

Sarcopenia Aged Exercise Preoperative Care

Interventions

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 70 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Aged over 70 years. * Sufficient mobility to be able to exercise on a static exercise bike. * Availability for the entire trial period. * Sufficient capacity to consent for the trial. Exclusion Criteria: * Participants under the age of 70 years. Participants with a significant past medical history of: * Myocardial infarction (within last 6 months) * Unstable Angina * Heart failure (NYHA class III/IV) * Uncontrolled Hypertension (BP\>160/100) * Previous stroke/TIA * Severe respiratory disease inc. known pulmonary hypertension(\>25 mmHg), Forced -Expiratory Volume in 1 second \<1.5l. * Brittle asthma / exercise induced asthma * Known cerebral aneurysm or abdominal aortic aneurysm. * Cognitive impairment, which may reduce individuals' ability to provide informed consent. * Inclusion in a recent study which included any form of exercise, taking a drug or ionising radiation. Exclusion criteria pertaining specifically to muscle biopsies: * Current use of anticoagulation (i.e. Warfarin/Clopidogrel/Rivaroxaban) * Any pre-existing clotting disorders known to the patient (i.e. haemophilia). * Family history of severe bleeding requiring medical intervention. * Any musculoskeletal deformity or skin conditions making the taking of a biopsy unsuitable as deemed by the medical practitioner taking that sample. * Lack of capacity to fully consent for the procedure.

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Mean anaerobic threshold improvement following 4 week HIT protocol.

Measured via cardiopulmonary exercise testing (mls/kg/min and absolute value L/kg). Pre-Post testing.

Time frame: 4 weeks

Secondary Outcomes

Mean VO2 peak improvement following 4 week HIT protocol.

Measured via cardiopulmonary exercise testing (mls/kg/min and absolute value L/kg). Pre-Post testing.

Time frame: 4 weeks

Muscle protein synthesis

Assessment of D2O evaluated muscle protein synthesis following HIT programme. Using mass spectrometry for analysis of stable isotope uptake during training program (arbitrary units).

Time frame: 4 weeks

Body composition

DXA changes in body composition (lean muscle mass (%), fat mass (%) and bone density g/cm3)) following a HIT programme

Time frame: 4 weeks

Muscle architecture

Ultrasound scans used to assess changes in lean muscle mass and architecture following a HIT programme (mm and % pennation angle change).

Time frame: 4 weeks

Feasibility

Determination of frail elderly patient adherence to HIT programme (number of scheduled sessions successfully completed within 28 days).

Time frame: 4 Weeks

Quality of life improvement

Quality of life questionnaires to measure subjective outcomes (EQ-5D questionnaire)

Time frame: 4 weeks

Daily Activity Level

Activity questionnaire to quantify habitual physical activity (IPAQ questionnaire)

Time frame: 4 weeks

Physical Activity Score

Subjective assessment of physical ability (DASI questionnaire)

Time frame: 4 weeks

HIT Training in the Frail Elderly.

Overview

Conditions

Interventions

Eligibility

Locations (1)

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Secondary Outcomes