Launched in April 2015 , Gym Tonic is the first of its kind cross-border exercise-as-medicine partnership between research institutions, business enterprises and service providers from Singapore and Finland. What sets Gym Tonic apart from other exercise programmes is its singular focus on strength training, necessary for frailty prevention and maintenance of functional independence for the elderly. This randomized-control trial is to validate the Gym Tonic programme and data as well measuring its effectiveness in improving physical functions and reversing frailty.
The RCT is conducted in 3 eldercare community centers. In each center, a group of elderly will be randomly sorted into 2 groups. An intervention group and a control group. The intervention group will go through 12 weeks of Gym Tonic progressive training programme. While the control group acts as a control. After the first 12 weeks, the intervention group will be going through another 12 weeks of Gym Tonic maintenance programme, while the control group will be going through the Gym Tonic progressive training programme. Measurements of physical functions, isometric strength and frailty will be conducted pre trial, post 12 weeks and post 24 weeks.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
318
12 week progressive training - Strength exercises on 6 pneumatic gym equipment following Gym Tonic's protocol twice a week 12 weeks maintenance training - Strength exercises on 6 pneumatic gym equipment following Gym Tonic's protocol once a week
PulseSync
Singapore, Singapore
Change in Isometric Muscle Strength (Knee Extension)
Measured via isometric performance recorder fixed to exercise machine for the right and left leg.
Time frame: week 0, week 12, week 24
Change in Isometric Muscle Strength (Knee Flexion)
Measured via isometric performance recorder fixed to exercise machine for the right and left leg.
Time frame: week 0, week 12, week 24
Change in Isometric Muscle Strength (Hip Abduction)
Measured via isometric performance recorder fixed to exercise machine for the above mentioned movement.
Time frame: week 0, week 12, week 24
Change in Isometric Muscle Strength (Hip Adduction)
Measured via isometric performance recorder fixed to exercise machine for the above mentioned movement.
Time frame: week 0, week 12, week 24
Handgrip Strength
Subject will be seated, with the arm unsupported, elbow joint at 90 degrees and wrist in a neutral position while holding the hand dynamometer. Subject would be required to squeeze the grip with maximum strength upon command for three attempts. The best result would be recorded.
Time frame: week 0, week 12, week 24
SPPB Balance Test - Feet together (side-by-side)
To balance in the said position for 10 seconds. Scored point will be determined by number of seconds held.
Time frame: week 0, week 12, week 24
SPPB Balance Test - Semi-Tandem stand
To balance in the said position for 10 seconds. Scored point will be determined by number of seconds held.
Time frame: week 0, week 12, week 24
SPPB Balance Test - Tandem stand
To balance in the said position for 10 seconds. Scored point will be determined by number of seconds held.
Time frame: week 0, week 12, week 24
SPPB 5 times sit-to-stand
Seated with arms folded across chest and with their back against the chair, Stand up fully and sit down fully with the back against the chair as quickly as possible. Scored point will be determined by the time to completely finish 5 repetitions.
Time frame: week 0, week 12, week 24
SPPB Speed Walk Test (Normal)
To walk 4 metres at participant's usual speed, scored point will be determined based on time taken to complete the 4-Metre walk.
Time frame: week 0, week 12, week 24
SPPB Speed Walk Test (Fast)
To walk 4 metres at participant's fastest speed, scored point will be determined based on time taken to complete the 4-Metre walk.
Time frame: week 0, week 12, week 24
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