Healthy People ProgramsBoxe4AgeingNCT05826314
Boxing Training, Physical-functional Fitness and Cognitive Performance in Older Adults
A study testing Boxing training and Exercise in people with Healthy People Programs, run by Universidade do Porto at 1 site in Portugal.
Trial 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. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 60 years and olderHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Healthy People Programs
- What is being tested?
- Boxing training and Exercise
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 75 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePortugal
- Study dates
- 17 Oct 2022to 1 Aug 2024
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 60 years and older
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Male or female participants aged ≥60 years;
- Community-dwelling older adults;
- Do not present any medical contraindication for physical activity;
Who cannot join
- 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);
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Portugal1 site
Faculty of Sport, University of Porto
Porto, Porto District, 4200371
About this study
Official title: Impact of Boxing-based Training Program on Physical-functional Fitness, Cognitive Performance, and Risk of Falls in Community-dwelling Older Adults
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).
Read more
Our hypotheses are:
- 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
- The observed effects on physical-functional fitness, cognitive health status, and risk of falls as a result of the exercise programs will be similar.
- During the follow-up period, both exercise groups will experiment reductions on physical-functional fitness, cognitive health status, and risk of falls.
Read the 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
- Being tested
- Boxing training, Exercise
- Keywords
- Public health, Boxing, Elderly, Physical Activity
- Medical subject headings
- Motor Activity
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Boxing trainingOther
Also called Combat sports
Training protocol will be held for 24 weeks, twice per week/ 45 min per sessions.
ExerciseOther
Also called Multicomponent training
Training protocol will be held for 24 weeks, twice per week/ 45 min per sessions.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Experimental group 1 (adapted boxing) | Experimental | 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. Receives: Other: Boxing training |
| Experimental group 2 (multi-component training) | Active comparator | 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). Receives: Other: Exercise |
| Control group | No intervention | 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. |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change from baseline Upper Body Power at 3 months and at 6 months, respectively.
This will be tested with a 3 kg (Ø 0.60 m) medical ball. Each subject will sit in a chair with the posterior region of the trunk positioned against the back of the chair and hold the ball forward with both hands. Three approved trials will be conducted with one-minute rest intervals between each trial to ensure that fatigue or learning effects do not influence performance. The maximum throwing distance will be determined using a flexible steel tape. Only the best attempt will be used for further analysis (24).
Measured: Baseline, 6 months
Change from Baseline peak oxygen uptake (VO2 peak) at 6 months
Modified Bruce Treadmill Test - This sub-maximal test with incremental protocol including seven stages and performed on a treadmill, standard an open-circuit spirometer technique (Cosmed K5b2, Cosmed, Rome, Italy) will be used.
Measured: Baseline, 6 months
Change from Baseline Lower-body strength and power at 6 months
The knee extensors and flexors will be evaluated using an isokinetic dynamometer (Biodex System 2, USA) at two different angular velocities: 60°/s and 180°/s (22).
Measured: Baseline, 6 months
Change from Baseline cognitive performance (Inhibition/cognitive flexibility) at 6 months
The Stroop Color and Word Test (parameters: words, colors, and words/colors) will be selected to assess response inhibition/cognitive flexibility (14).
Measured: Baseline, 6 months
Change from Baseline cognitive performance (Processing speed) at 6 months
Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST, subtest of the Wechsler test of adult intelligence WAIS III) (16, 17) will be used as a measure of high-level information processing speed.
Measured: Baseline, 6 months
Change from Baseline cognitive performance (Selective recall test) at 6 months
Selective recall test [SRT-List A; parameters: consistent long-term recall, long-term storage, delayed recall, and intrusions] to assess verbal learning and multiple-trial memory (14).
Measured: Baseline, 6 months
Change from Baseline cognitive performance (Verbal short-term memory and verbal working memory) at 6 months
The forward digit advancement (DS) test was selected to assess verbal short-term memory and the backward DS to assess verbal working memory (subtest of the Wechsler test of intelligence for adults WAIS III) and total DS score (total DS; calculated by adding forward DS and backward DS) (14, 16).
Measured: Baseline, 6 months
Change from Baseline cognitive performance (Memory) at 6 months
Consortium to establish a registry for the Alzheimer's Disease List Test (CERAD), will be used: word list memory; word list recall; and word list recognition. The parameters: total hits and delayed recall hits (13, 14).
Measured: Baseline, 6 months
Change from Baseline Psychological testing (Depression) at 6 months
The geriatric depression scale (GDS, short version) (18) will be used for depressive symptoms assessment. The GDS-15 evaluates depressive symptoms during the last week and has a dichotomous response scale (Yes/No). On 10 items (2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 15) the answer Yes is rated 1 point and on the remaining items (1, 5, 7, 11, and 13) the answer No is rated 1 point, in the sense that the score indicates presence of depressive symptomatology. The total score of the items is processed by summing the scores on the 15 items, ranging from 0 to 15 points. The 15-item version of the GDS showed the ability to differentiate depressed from nondepressed subjects (18).
Measured: Baseline, 6 months
Change from Baseline Psychological testing (Anxiety and depression) at 6 months
Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) will be used (19). Although the HADS is considered an effective instrument for assessing depressive symptoms in hospital settings, it is a screening measure, and it is of utmost importance to be followed by a psychological assessment. This scale consists of two subscales, one for anxiety and the other for depression. A score between 0 to 7 means absence of depressive or anxious symptoms; a score between 8 to 10 means a possible case of depression or anxiety; and from 11 to 21 as a probable case.
Measured: Baseline, 6 months
Change from Baseline Psychological testing (Stress) at 6 months
Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) (20) will be used to assess perceived stress.
Measured: Baseline, 6 months
Change from baseline on Risk of Falls at 6 months
Risk of falls will be evaluated through the Biodex® Balance System (Biodex, Shirley, NY, EUA), using the Fall Risk Test protocol in which the platform is unstable and allows to obtain the risk index and modified version of the Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction and Balance (CTSIB).
Measured: Baseline, 6 months
Change from baseline on Handgrip strength to 3 and 6 months of exercise and 3-months of follow-up, respectively
The handgrip strength will be measured with a Jamar Plus + Digital hand dynamometer (Sammons Preston Inc., Bolingbrook, Illinois, USA). Measurements will be carried out following the American Society of Hand Therapists recommendations, and each participant will perform three attempts with a pause of 1 min between them. Three attempts will be made for each hand, using the maximum value of the three registers.
Measured: Baseline, after 3 months of intervention, 6 months, 3 months follow-up
Change from Baseline Brain Activity at 6 months
This will be analyzed using an electromyography (EEG) system. All EEG signals will be acquired with the ActiCHamp®, Brain Products,GmbH. With an international 10-20 system with standard 32-channel electrode layout with reference and ground electrodes. The ground will be located on the forehead and the reference will be the Cz channel of the ActiCHamp® equipment. For each participant, the same equipment will be used in all sessions.
Measured: Baseline, 6 months
Change from baseline Physical-Functional Fitness (upper and lower body strength) at 3 and 6 months of exercise and 3-months of follow-up, respectively
Physical-functional fitness is going to be measured via the Senior Fitness Test (SFT) (23). This physical battery includes lower and upper-body strength (30-second chair stand and 30-second arm curl tests, respectively), agility/dynamic balance (8-foot up-and-go test), aerobic endurance (six-minute walk test) and lower and upper-body flexibility (chair sit-and-reach and back scratch tests, respectively).
The chair stand test to assess the strength of the lower body, counting the number of repetitions made in 30s. And the arm curl test to assess the strength on the upper body, using a 3lb (women) and 5lb (men) dumbbell, counting the number of repetitions made in 30s.
Measured: Baseline, after 3 months of intervention, 6 months, 3 months follow-up
Change from baseline Physical-Functional Fitness (8-Foot Up and Go Test) at 3 and 6 months of exercise and 3-months follow-up, respectively.
Physical-functional fitness is going to be measured via the Senior Fitness Test (SFT) (23). This physical battery includes lower and upper-body strength (30-second chair stand and 30-second arm curl tests, respectively), agility/dynamic balance (8-foot up-and-go test), aerobic endurance (six-minute walk test) and lower and upper-body flexibility (chair sit-and-reach and back scratch tests, respectively).
The stand up, walk 8-foot distance (2,44 meters), turn the cone marker around and return to the seated position. The time, in seconds, necessary to complete this test will be registered.
Measured: Baseline, after 3 months of intervention, 6 months, 3 months follow-up.
Change from baseline Physical-Functional Fitness (six-minute walk test) at 3 and 6 months of exercise and 3-months follow-up, respectively.
Physical-functional fitness is going to be measured via the Senior Fitness Test (SFT) (23). This physical battery includes lower and upper-body strength (30-second chair stand and 30-second arm curl tests, respectively), agility/dynamic balance (8-foot up-and-go test), aerobic endurance (six-minute walk test) and lower and upper-body flexibility (chair sit-and-reach and back scratch tests, respectively). The participants will be asked to walk the longer distance in 6 min time along a corredor.
Measured: Time Frame: Baseline, after 3 months of intervention, 6 months, 3 months follow-up
Change from baseline Physical-Functional Fitness (upper and lower body flexibility) at 3 and 6 months of exercise and 3-months follow-up, respectively.
Physical-functional fitness is going to be measured via the Senior Fitness Test (SFT) (23). This physical battery includes lower and upper-body strength (30-second chair stand and 30-second arm curl tests, respectively), agility/dynamic balance (8-foot up-and-go test), aerobic endurance (six-minute walk test) and lower and upper-body flexibility (chair sit-and-reach and back scratch tests, respectively). The chair sit \& reach test to assess the flexibility of the lower body, measured in cm. And the back scratch test to assess flexibility on the upper body, measured in cm.
Measured: ime Frame: Baseline, after 3 months of intervention, 6 months, 3 months follow-up
Secondary outcomes (6)
Sociodemographic Assessments are going to measured at baseline.
Age (years), academic level (primary, secondary, bachelor, master, PhD), civil status (married, separated, widow, single, others), number of medications, diagnosed diseases, falls in the last 12 months.
Measured: Baseline
Change from baseline Quality of Life at 6 months
Quality of life will be tested with the World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment Tool (WHOQOL-Bref).
Measured: Baseline, 6 months
Change from Baseline Appendicular Skeletal Muscle Mass Index at 6 months
Appendicular Skeletal Muscle Mass Index (ASMI), which is the sum of muscle masses of the four limbs described as appendicular skeletal muscle mass adjusted for height (kg/m2), will be analyzed with Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA).
Measured: Baseline, 6 months
Exercise satisfaction
Will be tested with the physical activity enjoyment scale (PACES) (26). The Portuguese version of the PACES is a validated and reliable instrument to assess enjoyment in group fitness activities. This scale is composed of eight items (e.g., \"It is invigorating\") preceded by the statement \"The physical activity I practice...\" to which participants respond through a Likert-type scale with a minimum score of 1 \"totally disagree\" and maximum score of 7 (\"totally agree\").
Measured: 6 months
Change from Baseline body mass, fat-free mass, fat mass at 3 and 6 months of exercise and 3-months of follow-up, respectively
Body mass (kg), fat-free mass (kg) and fat mass (kg) will be analyzed with bioimpedance (InBody 120®).
Measured: Baseline, 3 months, 6 months, 3 months follow-up
Change from Baseline Bone Mineral Density at 6 months
They will be analyzed by Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA).
Measured: Baseline, 6 months.
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted24 Apr 2023
- Study start17 Oct 2022
- Primary completion1 Aug 2024
- Study completion1 Aug 2024
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (10)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Healthy People ProgramsStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Non-randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- The study includes a quasi-experimental design (non-randomized controlled trial), with repeated measures.
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 75 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Universidade do Porto
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Foundation for Science and Technology, Portugal
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Lucimere Bohn, Universidade do Porto
- Investigators
- Lucimere Bohn, PhD, Principal investigator, Universidade do PortoKessketlen Miranda, PhD student, Principal investigator, Universidade do Porto
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT05826314
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 262022
- Acronym
- Boxe4Ageing
- Status last verified
- Sep 2026
- First submitted
- 20 Mar 2023
- Last updated
- 15 Sep 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: Participant data will not be shared. We will only disseminate the results of the study through scientific papers and presentations at scientific conferences
Publications
Santos-Eggimann B, Sirven N. Screening for frailty: older populations and older individuals. Public Health Rev. 2016 Aug 22;37:7. doi: 10.1186/s40985-016-0021-8. eCollection 2016.
PubMed 29450049Hill NL, Bhargava S, Brown MJ, Kim H, Bhang I, Mullin K, Phillips K, Mogle J. Cognitive complaints in age-related chronic conditions: A systematic review. PLoS One. 2021 Jul 7;16(7):e0253795. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0253795. eCollection 2021.
PubMed 34234373Bull FC, Al-Ansari SS, Biddle S, Borodulin K, Buman MP, Cardon G, Carty C, Chaput JP, Chastin S, Chou R, Dempsey PC, DiPietro L, Ekelund U, Firth J, Friedenreich CM, Garcia L, Gichu M, Jago R, Katzmarzyk PT, Lambert E, Leitzmann M, Milton K, Ortega FB, Ranasinghe C, Stamatakis E, Tiedemann A, Troiano RP, van der Ploeg HP, Wari V, Willumsen JF. World Health Organization 2020 guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviour. Br J Sports Med. 2020 Dec;54(24):1451-1462. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2020-102955.
PubMed 33239350Streit IA, Pinto SS, Silva ADS, Bezerra ES. Body weight multicomponent program improves power and functional capacity responses in older adults: A quasi-experimental study. Exp Gerontol. 2021 Nov;155:111553. doi: 10.1016/j.exger.2021.111553. Epub 2021 Sep 14.
PubMed 34534623Hunter SK, Pereira HM, Keenan KG. The aging neuromuscular system and motor performance. J Appl Physiol (1985). 2016 Oct 1;121(4):982-995. doi: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00475.2016. Epub 2016 Aug 11.
PubMed 27516536Origua Rios S, Marks J, Estevan I, Barnett LM. Health benefits of hard martial arts in adults: a systematic review. J Sports Sci. 2018 Jul;36(14):1614-1622. doi: 10.1080/02640414.2017.1406297. Epub 2017 Nov 21.
PubMed 29157151Domingos J, Radder D, Riggare S, Godinho C, Dean J, Graziano M, de Vries NM, Ferreira J, Bloem BR. Implementation of a Community-Based Exercise Program for Parkinson Patients: Using Boxing as an Example. J Parkinsons Dis. 2019;9(3):615-623. doi: 10.3233/JPD-191616.
PubMed 31282426Shearin S, Braitsch M, Querry R. The effect of a multi-modal boxing exercise program on cognitive locomotor tasks and gait in persons with Parkinson disease. NeuroRehabilitation. 2021;49(4):619-627. doi: 10.3233/NRE-210218.
PubMed 34806626Combs SA, Diehl MD, Staples WH, Conn L, Davis K, Lewis N, Schaneman K. Boxing training for patients with Parkinson disease: a case series. Phys Ther. 2011 Jan;91(1):132-42. doi: 10.2522/ptj.20100142. Epub 2010 Nov 18.
PubMed 21088118Thompson PD, Arena R, Riebe D, Pescatello LS; American College of Sports Medicine. ACSM's new preparticipation health screening recommendations from ACSM's guidelines for exercise testing and prescription, ninth edition. Curr Sports Med Rep. 2013 Jul-Aug;12(4):215-7. doi: 10.1249/JSR.0b013e31829a68cf. No abstract available.
PubMed 23851406
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 15 Sep 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Impact of Boxing-based Training Program on Physical-functional Fitness, Cognitive Performance, and Risk of Falls in Community-dwelling Older Adults
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT05826314
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- Boxe4Ageing / 262022
- Conditions
- Healthy People Programs
- Keywords
- Public health, Boxing, Elderly, Physical Activity
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 75 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Universidade do PortoUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Foundation for Science and Technology, Portugal
- Study start
- 17 Oct 2022 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 1 Aug 2024 (actual)
- Study completion
- 1 Aug 2024 (actual)
- First posted
- 24 Apr 2023 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
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:
- 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
- The observed effects on physical-functional fitness, cognitive health status, and risk of falls as a result of the exercise programs will be similar.
- 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.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Non-randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 3
- Model description
- The study includes a quasi-experimental design (non-randomized controlled trial), with repeated measures.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Experimental group 1 (adapted boxing) | Experimental | Other: Boxing trainingExperimental 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. |
| Experimental group 2 (multi-component training) | Active comparator | Other: ExerciseSessions 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). |
| Control group | No intervention | –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. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 60 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Male or female participants aged ≥60 years;
- Community-dwelling older adults;
- Do not present any medical contraindication for physical activity;
Key exclusion criteria (2 listed)
- 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);
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Boxing trainingAlso: Combat sportsTraining protocol will be held for 24 weeks, twice per week/ 45 min per sessions. | Other | Experimental group 1 (adapted boxing) |
| ExerciseAlso: Multicomponent trainingTraining protocol will be held for 24 weeks, twice per week/ 45 min per sessions. | Other | Experimental group 2 (multi-component training) |
Primary outcome
Change from baseline Upper Body Power at 3 months and at 6 months, respectively.
Time frame: Baseline, 6 months
This will be tested with a 3 kg (Ø 0.60 m) medical ball. Each subject will sit in a chair with the posterior region of the trunk positioned against the back of the chair and hold the ball forward with both hands. Three approved trials will be conducted with one-minute rest intervals between each trial to ensure that fatigue or learning effects do not influence performance. The maximum throwing distance will be determined using a flexible steel tape. Only the best attempt will be used for further analysis (24).
Change from Baseline peak oxygen uptake (VO2 peak) at 6 months
Time frame: Baseline, 6 months
Modified Bruce Treadmill Test - This sub-maximal test with incremental protocol including seven stages and performed on a treadmill, standard an open-circuit spirometer technique (Cosmed K5b2, Cosmed, Rome, Italy) will be used.
Change from Baseline Lower-body strength and power at 6 months
Time frame: Baseline, 6 months
The knee extensors and flexors will be evaluated using an isokinetic dynamometer (Biodex System 2, USA) at two different angular velocities: 60°/s and 180°/s (22).
Change from Baseline cognitive performance (Inhibition/cognitive flexibility) at 6 months
Time frame: Baseline, 6 months
The Stroop Color and Word Test (parameters: words, colors, and words/colors) will be selected to assess response inhibition/cognitive flexibility (14).
Change from Baseline cognitive performance (Processing speed) at 6 months
Time frame: Baseline, 6 months
Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST, subtest of the Wechsler test of adult intelligence WAIS III) (16, 17) will be used as a measure of high-level information processing speed.
Change from Baseline cognitive performance (Selective recall test) at 6 months
Time frame: Baseline, 6 months
Selective recall test [SRT-List A; parameters: consistent long-term recall, long-term storage, delayed recall, and intrusions] to assess verbal learning and multiple-trial memory (14).
Change from Baseline cognitive performance (Verbal short-term memory and verbal working memory) at 6 months
Time frame: Baseline, 6 months
The forward digit advancement (DS) test was selected to assess verbal short-term memory and the backward DS to assess verbal working memory (subtest of the Wechsler test of intelligence for adults WAIS III) and total DS score (total DS; calculated by adding forward DS and backward DS) (14, 16).
Change from Baseline cognitive performance (Memory) at 6 months
Time frame: Baseline, 6 months
Consortium to establish a registry for the Alzheimer's Disease List Test (CERAD), will be used: word list memory; word list recall; and word list recognition. The parameters: total hits and delayed recall hits (13, 14).
Change from Baseline Psychological testing (Depression) at 6 months
Time frame: Baseline, 6 months
The geriatric depression scale (GDS, short version) (18) will be used for depressive symptoms assessment. The GDS-15 evaluates depressive symptoms during the last week and has a dichotomous response scale (Yes/No). On 10 items (2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 15) the answer Yes is rated 1 point and on the remaining items (1, 5, 7, 11, and 13) the answer No is rated 1 point, in the sense that the score indicates presence of depressive symptomatology. The total score of the items is processed by summing the scores on the 15 items, ranging from 0 to 15 points. The 15-item version of the GDS showed the ability to differentiate depressed from nondepressed subjects (18).
Change from Baseline Psychological testing (Anxiety and depression) at 6 months
Time frame: Baseline, 6 months
Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) will be used (19). Although the HADS is considered an effective instrument for assessing depressive symptoms in hospital settings, it is a screening measure, and it is of utmost importance to be followed by a psychological assessment. This scale consists of two subscales, one for anxiety and the other for depression. A score between 0 to 7 means absence of depressive or anxious symptoms; a score between 8 to 10 means a possible case of depression or anxiety; and from 11 to 21 as a probable case.
Change from Baseline Psychological testing (Stress) at 6 months
Time frame: Baseline, 6 months
Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) (20) will be used to assess perceived stress.
Change from baseline on Risk of Falls at 6 months
Time frame: Baseline, 6 months
Risk of falls will be evaluated through the Biodex® Balance System (Biodex, Shirley, NY, EUA), using the Fall Risk Test protocol in which the platform is unstable and allows to obtain the risk index and modified version of the Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction and Balance (CTSIB).
Change from baseline on Handgrip strength to 3 and 6 months of exercise and 3-months of follow-up, respectively
Time frame: Baseline, after 3 months of intervention, 6 months, 3 months follow-up
The handgrip strength will be measured with a Jamar Plus + Digital hand dynamometer (Sammons Preston Inc., Bolingbrook, Illinois, USA). Measurements will be carried out following the American Society of Hand Therapists recommendations, and each participant will perform three attempts with a pause of 1 min between them. Three attempts will be made for each hand, using the maximum value of the three registers.
Change from Baseline Brain Activity at 6 months
Time frame: Baseline, 6 months
This will be analyzed using an electromyography (EEG) system. All EEG signals will be acquired with the ActiCHamp®, Brain Products,GmbH. With an international 10-20 system with standard 32-channel electrode layout with reference and ground electrodes. The ground will be located on the forehead and the reference will be the Cz channel of the ActiCHamp® equipment. For each participant, the same equipment will be used in all sessions.
Change from baseline Physical-Functional Fitness (upper and lower body strength) at 3 and 6 months of exercise and 3-months of follow-up, respectively
Time frame: Baseline, after 3 months of intervention, 6 months, 3 months follow-up
Physical-functional fitness is going to be measured via the Senior Fitness Test (SFT) (23). This physical battery includes lower and upper-body strength (30-second chair stand and 30-second arm curl tests, respectively), agility/dynamic balance (8-foot up-and-go test), aerobic endurance (six-minute walk test) and lower and upper-body flexibility (chair sit-and-reach and back scratch tests, respectively). The chair stand test to assess the strength of the lower body, counting the number of repetitions made in 30s. And the arm curl test to assess the strength on the upper body, using a 3lb (women) and 5lb (men) dumbbell, counting the number of repetitions made in 30s.
Change from baseline Physical-Functional Fitness (8-Foot Up and Go Test) at 3 and 6 months of exercise and 3-months follow-up, respectively.
Time frame: Baseline, after 3 months of intervention, 6 months, 3 months follow-up.
Physical-functional fitness is going to be measured via the Senior Fitness Test (SFT) (23). This physical battery includes lower and upper-body strength (30-second chair stand and 30-second arm curl tests, respectively), agility/dynamic balance (8-foot up-and-go test), aerobic endurance (six-minute walk test) and lower and upper-body flexibility (chair sit-and-reach and back scratch tests, respectively). The stand up, walk 8-foot distance (2,44 meters), turn the cone marker around and return to the seated position. The time, in seconds, necessary to complete this test will be registered.
Change from baseline Physical-Functional Fitness (six-minute walk test) at 3 and 6 months of exercise and 3-months follow-up, respectively.
Time frame: Time Frame: Baseline, after 3 months of intervention, 6 months, 3 months follow-up
Physical-functional fitness is going to be measured via the Senior Fitness Test (SFT) (23). This physical battery includes lower and upper-body strength (30-second chair stand and 30-second arm curl tests, respectively), agility/dynamic balance (8-foot up-and-go test), aerobic endurance (six-minute walk test) and lower and upper-body flexibility (chair sit-and-reach and back scratch tests, respectively). The participants will be asked to walk the longer distance in 6 min time along a corredor.
Change from baseline Physical-Functional Fitness (upper and lower body flexibility) at 3 and 6 months of exercise and 3-months follow-up, respectively.
Time frame: ime Frame: Baseline, after 3 months of intervention, 6 months, 3 months follow-up
Physical-functional fitness is going to be measured via the Senior Fitness Test (SFT) (23). This physical battery includes lower and upper-body strength (30-second chair stand and 30-second arm curl tests, respectively), agility/dynamic balance (8-foot up-and-go test), aerobic endurance (six-minute walk test) and lower and upper-body flexibility (chair sit-and-reach and back scratch tests, respectively). The chair sit \& reach test to assess the flexibility of the lower body, measured in cm. And the back scratch test to assess flexibility on the upper body, measured in cm.
6 secondary outcomes
Sociodemographic Assessments are going to measured at baseline.
Time frame: Baseline
Change from baseline Quality of Life at 6 months
Time frame: Baseline, 6 months
Change from Baseline Appendicular Skeletal Muscle Mass Index at 6 months
Time frame: Baseline, 6 months
Exercise satisfaction
Time frame: 6 months
Change from Baseline body mass, fat-free mass, fat mass at 3 and 6 months of exercise and 3-months of follow-up, respectively
Time frame: Baseline, 3 months, 6 months, 3 months follow-up
Change from Baseline Bone Mineral Density at 6 months
Time frame: Baseline, 6 months.
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 15 Sep 2026.
- Background: PubMed 29450049Santos-Eggimann B, Sirven N. Screening for frailty: older populations and older individuals. Public Health Rev. 2016 Aug 22;37:7. doi: 10.1186/s40985-016-0021-8. eCollection 2016.
- Background: PubMed 34234373Hill NL, Bhargava S, Brown MJ, Kim H, Bhang I, Mullin K, Phillips K, Mogle J. Cognitive complaints in age-related chronic conditions: A systematic review. PLoS One. 2021 Jul 7;16(7):e0253795. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0253795. eCollection 2021.
- Background: PubMed 33239350Bull FC, Al-Ansari SS, Biddle S, Borodulin K, Buman MP, Cardon G, Carty C, Chaput JP, Chastin S, Chou R, Dempsey PC, DiPietro L, Ekelund U, Firth J, Friedenreich CM, Garcia L, Gichu M, Jago R, Katzmarzyk PT, Lambert E, Leitzmann M, Milton K, Ortega FB, Ranasinghe C, Stamatakis E, Tiedemann A, Troiano RP, van der Ploeg HP, Wari V, Willumsen JF. World Health Organization 2020 guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviour. Br J Sports Med. 2020 Dec;54(24):1451-1462. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2020-102955.
- Background: PubMed 34534623Streit IA, Pinto SS, Silva ADS, Bezerra ES. Body weight multicomponent program improves power and functional capacity responses in older adults: A quasi-experimental study. Exp Gerontol. 2021 Nov;155:111553. doi: 10.1016/j.exger.2021.111553. Epub 2021 Sep 14.
- Background: PubMed 27516536Hunter SK, Pereira HM, Keenan KG. The aging neuromuscular system and motor performance. J Appl Physiol (1985). 2016 Oct 1;121(4):982-995. doi: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00475.2016. Epub 2016 Aug 11.
- Background: PubMed 29157151Origua Rios S, Marks J, Estevan I, Barnett LM. Health benefits of hard martial arts in adults: a systematic review. J Sports Sci. 2018 Jul;36(14):1614-1622. doi: 10.1080/02640414.2017.1406297. Epub 2017 Nov 21.
- Background: PubMed 31282426Domingos J, Radder D, Riggare S, Godinho C, Dean J, Graziano M, de Vries NM, Ferreira J, Bloem BR. Implementation of a Community-Based Exercise Program for Parkinson Patients: Using Boxing as an Example. J Parkinsons Dis. 2019;9(3):615-623. doi: 10.3233/JPD-191616.
- Background: PubMed 34806626Shearin S, Braitsch M, Querry R. The effect of a multi-modal boxing exercise program on cognitive locomotor tasks and gait in persons with Parkinson disease. NeuroRehabilitation. 2021;49(4):619-627. doi: 10.3233/NRE-210218.
- Background: PubMed 21088118Combs SA, Diehl MD, Staples WH, Conn L, Davis K, Lewis N, Schaneman K. Boxing training for patients with Parkinson disease: a case series. Phys Ther. 2011 Jan;91(1):132-42. doi: 10.2522/ptj.20100142. Epub 2010 Nov 18.
- Background: PubMed 23851406Thompson PD, Arena R, Riebe D, Pescatello LS; American College of Sports Medicine. ACSM's new preparticipation health screening recommendations from ACSM's guidelines for exercise testing and prescription, ninth edition. Curr Sports Med Rep. 2013 Jul-Aug;12(4):215-7. doi: 10.1249/JSR.0b013e31829a68cf. No abstract available.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. Participant data will not be shared. We will only disseminate the results of the study through scientific papers and presentations at scientific conferences
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Lucimere Bohn, PhD principal investigator
Universidade do Porto
Kessketlen Miranda, PhD student principal investigator
Universidade do Porto
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Boxing training and Exercise in people with Healthy People Programs, run by Universidade do Porto at 1 site in Portugal.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 2 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 15 Sep 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Portugal. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change from baseline Upper Body Power at 3 months and at 6 months, respectively. (time frame: Baseline, 6 months). The study lists 18 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT05826314, which also lists 10 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 15 Sep 2026.