Boxing Training, Physical-functional Fitness and Cognitive Performance in Older Adults

NCT ID: NCT05826314

Last Updated: 2024-09-19

Basic Information

• Recruitment Status: ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING
• Clinical Phase: NA
• Total Enrollment: 75 participants
• Study Classification: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Start Date: 2023-10-17
• Study Completion Date: 2025-08-01

Brief Summary

The aim of the study is to evaluate and to compare the effects of two exercise regimes (Boxing Training -BT and Multicomponent Training -MT) and 12 weeks of follow-up on cognitive health status, physical-functional fitness, and risk of falls in community-dwelling elders.

This is a quasi-experimental controlled trial using a parallel-group design. Participants will be allocated to 3 groups (i.e. BT, MT or control group [no intervention]). Both exercise programs (BT and MT) will last 24 weeks, twice a week, 45 minutes per session. Participants of all groups will be assessed for Senior Fitness test, and body weight at 4 moments (baseline, 12 weeks and 24 weeks of exercise and a follow-up period lasting 12 weeks).

Our hypotheses are:

1. In comparison with the control group, both exercise groups (BT and MT) will positively improve their physical-functional fitness, cognitive health status and risk of falls with the interventions

2. The observed effects on physical-functional fitness, cognitive health status, and risk of falls as a result of the exercise programs will be similar.

3. During the follow-up period, both exercise groups will experiment reductions on physical-functional fitness, cognitive health status, and risk of falls.

Detailed Description

Aging is associated with functional and cognitive decline (1, 2), which are causal factors of falls in the elderly. According to available evidence, alleviation of these conditions can be achieved through regular exercise of the multicomponent type (MT) (3). However, in TM programs, "muscle power" takes a secondary role (5) although it is extremely important to preserve the integrity of the neuromuscular system (6). Studies indicate that combat sports may represent an exercise strategy that combines muscular fitness, cardiorespiratory fitness, agility, and balance (7), in addition to falling within the scope of dual-task programs (i.e., physical and cognitive) because they require memorization of combinations of attacking and defending movements, quick decision-making, and movement by coordinating simultaneous leg and hand movements (8). Seminal work with adapted boxing for elderly parkinsonians has demonstrated positive results in health indicators (9, 10). But the effectiveness of this modality in apparently healthy elderly is still unknown. Therefore, this project aims to compare the effects of boxing training and multi-component training on physical-functional fitness, cognitive performance, and the risk of falls in older people.

The study comprises a quantitative quasi-experimental design, will be conducted in the metropolitan area of Porto, Portugal. The study sample will consist of healthy individuals from the community, aged ≥ 60 years, who will be recruited in community programs, municipalities, health centers, and social media platforms through phone calls and informational flyers. Those who accept to participate will be informed about the project objectives and procedures. Participation will be voluntary, and everyone will be required to sign the Free and Informed Consent form.

Participants will be allocated into intervention groups: (Boxing training group or Multicomponent training group) or the Control Group (No intervention). The main results will be the physical-functional fitness measured through the Senior Fitness test, Cosmed K5b2, Handgrip strength, ball throw, isokinetic strength, cognitive performance evaluated by neurocognitive and psychological tests, in addition and the risk of falls evaluated by the Biodex® Balance System. Secondary outcomes will be brain activity by means of the electroencephalogram (EEG), bodycomposition, bone mineral density, quality of life and satisfaction with exercise.

The research protocol will follow the CONSORT/SPIRIT guidelines.

Conditions

Healthy People Programs

Study Design

• Allocation Method: NON_RANDOMIZED
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Primary Study Purpose: TREATMENT
• Blinding Strategy: NONE

Study Groups

Experimental group 1 (adapted boxing)

Experimental boxing - The general structure of adapted boxing will include a 10-minute warm-up consisting of walking at a slow, self-selected speed, and at the same time joint rotation exercises; followed by 25-30 minutes of adapted boxing (consisting of non-contact activities, distributed in coordination and balance/footwork, shadow boxing-choreography (sequence of arm and leg movements that simulate an imaginary fight and punching bag), to end the session there will be a content fixation exercise, relaxation with gentle movements and breathing for 5 -10 minutes.

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

Boxing training

Intervention Type: OTHER

Training protocol will be held for 24 weeks, twice per week/ 45 min per sessions.

Experimental group 2 (multi-component training)

Sessions will be divided in 10 minutes warm-up (including slow walk, postural and mobility exercises for general activation, and stretching exercises), specific training (25-30 minutes, including balance/coordination training, strength, and aerobic exercises) and cool down 5 - 10 minutes (breathing and stretching exercises for the main worked joints and muscles) following the main guidelines recommended by the American College of Sports Medicine (4) and the WHO (3).

Group Type: ACTIVE_COMPARATOR

Exercise

Intervention Type: OTHER

Training protocol will be held for 24 weeks, twice per week/ 45 min per sessions.

Control group

Participants from the control group will participate in all assessments moments, and will be asked to maintain their usual activities. At the end of the intervention period, the control group will be invited to participate in a physical activity program that takes place at the University.

Group Type: NO_INTERVENTION

No interventions assigned to this group

Interventions

Boxing training

Training protocol will be held for 24 weeks, twice per week/ 45 min per sessions.

Intervention Type: OTHER

Exercise

Training protocol will be held for 24 weeks, twice per week/ 45 min per sessions.

Intervention Type: OTHER

Other Intervention Names

Combat sports; Multicomponent training

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

• Male or female participants aged ≥60 years;
• Community-dwelling older adults;
• Do not present any medical contraindication for physical activity;

Exclusion Criteria

• Individuals diagnosed with certain disorders or conditions in which exercise is contraindicated such as unstable or ongoing cardiovascular and/or respiratory disorders;
• Presence of major neurological and Neurocognitive disorders (Portuguese version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment - MoCA) (12);

• Minimum Eligible Age: 60 Years
• Eligible Sex: ALL
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: Yes

Sponsors

Faculdade de Desporto da Universidade do Porto

UNKNOWN

Sponsor Role: collaborator

Foundation for Science and Technology, Portugal

OTHER

Sponsor Role: collaborator

Universidade do Porto

OTHER

Sponsor Role: lead

Responsible Party

Lucimere Bohn

PhD

Responsibility Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Principal Investigators

Lucimere Bohn, PhD

Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Universidade do Porto

Kessketlen Miranda, PhD student

Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Universidade do Porto

Locations

Faculty of Sport, University of Porto

Porto, Porto District, Portugal

Countries

Portugal

References

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Other Identifiers

262022

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id