The Effect of Maximal Mental Effort During Resistance Training on Physical Function and Motor Unit Behavior in Functionally Limited Older Adults
Kennesaw State University
Summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to determine the effect of maximal mental effort combined with low-intensity resistance training on strength and neuromuscular function in older adults with functional limitations. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does low-intensity resistance training in combination with maximal mental effort increase strength more than low intensity resistance training alone? * Does low-intensity resistance training in combination with maximal mental effort improve neuromuscular function more than low intensity resistance training alone? Participants will be randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups: * Low intensity resistance training * Low intensity resistance training with maximal mental effort * Control Researchers will compare groups to determine differences in changes in strength, neuromuscular function, and body composition.
Description
Participants in both training groups will perform 8 weeks of low intensity, whole-body resistance training. Participants in the control group will participate in all testing procedures but not perform any training. Participants from all groups will be instructed to otherwise maintain their normal physical activity levels and dietary habits. All training sessions will be supervised by research personnel at a Kennesaw State University fitness center. Participants will complete 2 training sessions per week for 8 weeks. Each training session will last about 45-60 minutes and consist of 5 exercise…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 65–85 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * No structured exercise in the past 2 years, body mass index between 18.5-33 kg/m\^2, independently walk with or without assistive device, no significant cognitive impairment, and poor lower-body strength. Exclusion Criteria: * Score of 22 or lower on Montreal Cognitive Assessment, missing more than 3 training sessions (training groups only), pacemaker, unstable angina, symptomatic heart failure, uncontrolled arrhythmias, uncontrolled hypertension (greater or equal to 160/90), myocardial infarction in the past 6 months, uncontrolled type 2 diabetes, type 1 diabetes, sev…
Interventions
- BehavioralLow Intensity Resistance Training with Maximal Mental Effort
This training intervention will be 8 weeks of low intensity resistance training, including whole-body and isolated muscle exercises, where participants will perform maximal mental effort by imagining maximal muscle contraction during each exercise.
- BehavioralLow Intensity Resistance Training
This training intervention will be 8 weeks of low intensity resistance training, including whole-body and isolated muscle exercises.
Location
- Kennesaw State UniversityKennesaw, Georgia