Effects of Aquatic Exercise in Older Adults With Sarcopenia:A Randomized Trial
Trial statusRecruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexAll
Age65+
SponsorGaziosmanpasa Research and Education Hospital
About this trial
Sarcopenia is a geriatric syndrome characterized by age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass, strength, and physical performance, leading to increased risk of falls, functional decline, and reduced quality of life. Exercise interventions, particularly resistance training, are effective in managing sarcopenia; however, land-based exercises may be challenging for older adults due to balance impairments, joint problems, and fear of falling.
Pool-based exercise programs may offer a safe and feasible alternative, as water buoyancy reduces joint loading while providing resistance to support muscle strengthening. Despite these potential benefits, evidence regarding the effects of aquatic exercise in individuals with sarcopenia remains limited, especially in Türkiye.
This study aims to evaluate the effects of a 6-week supervised pool-based exercise program on muscle strength, muscle morphology, physical performance, mood, and quality of life in individuals aged 65 years and older with sarcopenia. Sarcopenia will be identified using the Sonographic Thigh Adjustment Ratio (STAR), based on ultrasound measurements of anterior thigh muscle thickness. In addition, appendicular skeletal muscle mass will be assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis (ASM/height²).
Outcome measures will include ultrasound-based muscle thickness, STAR, muscle strength, functional performance tests, depressive symptoms, and health-related quality of life. Assessments will be performed at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and at 1-month follow-up.
Eligibility criteria
This trial does not accept healthy volunteersQualifiers
Age ≥65 years
Diagnosis of "definite sarcopenia" according to the ISarcoPRM diagnostic algorithm
Not receiving nutritional supplementation and not requiring nutritional support according to the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA)
Sufficient cognitive ability to understand and follow instructions, including study-related questions and the home exercise program
Disqualifiers
Inability to complete assessment tests and questionnaires
Presence of severe systemic disease that may contraindicate exercise
Severe visual or hearing impairment
Presence of a cardiac pacemaker
Trial design
Design model
Parallel
Treatments tested in this trial
Aquatic Exercise Program
BehavioralThe aquatic exercise program will be conducted under supervision in a pool environment for a total of 15 sessions over 6 weeks. The program will consist of 2 sessions per week during the first 3 weeks and 3 sessions per week during the last 3 weeks. Each session will include structured exercises designed to improve muscle strength, balance, and functional performance in older adults with sarcopenia. Participants will also continue a standardized home exercise program throughout the study period.
Home Exercise Program
BehavioralParticipants in the control group will perform a standardized home exercise program for a total of 6 weeks. The program will consist of exercises designed to improve muscle strength, balance, and functional performance in older adults with sarcopenia. Participants will be instructed to perform the exercises regularly at home throughout the study period. No supervised aquatic exercise or additional intervention will be provided.
Treatment groups
44 Participants
are divided into 2 treatment groupsGroup A: Aquatic Exercise Plus Home Exercise GroupExperimental treatment 2 interventions
Group B: Home Exercise Only GroupActive comparator 1 intervention
Trial outcomes
Primary outcomes
1
Anterior thigh muscle thickness measured by ultrasound
Anterior thigh muscle thickness will be measured using musculoskeletal ultrasound. STAR (Sonographic Thigh Adjustment Ratio) will be calculated by dividing anterior thigh muscle thickness by body mass index.
Time frame
Baseline, immediately after the 6-week intervention, and 1 month post-treatment follow-upSecondary outcomes
1
Sonographic Thigh Adjustment Ratio (STAR)
Anterior thigh muscle thickness will be measured using musculoskeletal ultrasound, and the Sonographic Thigh Adjustment Ratio (STAR) will be calculated by dividing muscle thickness by body mass index (BMI, kg/m²).
Time frame
Baseline, immediately after the 6-week intervention, and 1 month post-treatment follow-up2
Handgrip Strength
Muscle strength will be assessed using a handgrip dynamometer (Jamar). Grip strength will be recorded in kilograms.
Time frame
Baseline, immediately after the 6-week intervention, and 1 month post-treatment follow-up3
Five Times Chair Stand Test
Lower extremity muscle strength and functional performance will be evaluated using the Five Times Chair Stand Test. The time required to complete five sit-to-stand repetitions will be recorded in seconds.
Time frame
Baseline, immediately after the 6-week intervention, and 1 month post-treatment follow-up4
Appendicular Skeletal Muscle Mass Index (ASM/height²)
Appendicular skeletal muscle mass will be measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). ASM will be calculated as the sum of lean mass of all four extremities and normalized to height squared (kg/m²).
Time frame
Baseline, immediately after the 6-week intervention, and 1 month post-treatment follow-upSponsors and contacts
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Source ClinicalTrials.gov