This pilot study will evaluate whether a short, self-regulated interval exercise program is practical and safe for adults aged 60 and older. The program consists of short periods of running or walking in place, with rest periods between exercises, and allows participants to adjust the intensity to their individual abilities. The findings will help determine whether this type of exercise program is suitable for further research in larger studies.
Regular physical activity is important for maintaining health and physical function in older adults. However, conventional exercise programs may be difficult to perform because of limited mobility, joint pain, concerns about injury, or other individual barriers. Short bouts of exercise combined with individually regulated joint unloading may provide a practical and adaptable approach for older adults. This pilot feasibility study will evaluate a novel self-regulated interval exercise program designed for adults aged 60 to 80 years. The program is inspired by the concepts of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and exercise snacks, but is adapted to the individual physical abilities of older adults. The intervention will last 4 weeks. Assessments will include adherence and adverse events monitoring, body composition analysis by a bioelectrical impedance method, lower-extremity muscle strength assessment using the five times sit to stand test (FTSST), aerobic capacity assessment by 2-minute step in place test (2MST), pain intensity assessment using numerical rating scale (NRS), and fall risk assessment using timed up \& go test (TUG).
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
30
The intervention will last 4 weeks. Participants will perform four exercise sessions each day. Each session will consist of five 1-minute periods of running or walking in place, separated by 20-second rest periods. Gymnastic sticks will be used to allow participants to regulate the amount of weight placed through the lower extremities. Participants will be able to increase or decrease the amount of support provided by the sticks according to their individual needs and comfort, thereby self-regulating the unloading of the lower-extremity joints. The target exercise intensity corresponds to rating of perceived exertion (RPE) ≥ 14 on the 6-20 Borg scale
Wielospecjalistyczny Szpital Samodzielny Publiczny Zakład Opieki Zdrowotnej w Nowej Soli
Nowa Sól, Lubusz Voivodeship, Poland
Feasibility of the Exercise Program (proportion (%) of participants meeting the described feasibility criteria across 4 domains: adherence, retention, tolerability, and safety)
Feasibility will be assessed as the proportion (%) of participants meeting the following feasibility criteria across 4 domains: adherence, retention, tolerability, and safety. Adherence: % of participants completing ≥75% of prescribed training days (weekly training recordings). Green ≥75%, amber 50-74%, red \<50%. Retention: % completing intervention and post-assessment. Green ≥80%, amber 60-79%, red \<60%. Tolerability: % with worsening in strength (Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test), aerobic capacity (2-Minute Step Test), or pain (Numeric Rating Scale). Green ≤20%, amber 20-30%, red \>30%. Safety: % reporting minor adverse events and number of serious adverse events (SAE) (medical records). Green \<10% and no related SAE; amber 10-40% and no related SAE; red \>40% or any related SAE. Overall feasibility: all domains green = feasible without modification; any amber with no red = feasible after modification; any red = not feasible and requires major modification and further feasibility testing.
Time frame: From baseline through post-intervention assessment following the 4-week intervention period
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