Activity, MotorNCT06821321
Power or Plyometric Training in Older Adults
A study testing Plyometric Training and Power Training in people with Activity, Motor, run by University of Miami at 1 site in United States.
Trial summary
This study will compare the effects of high-speed power resistance training or plyometric jump training on muscle stiffness, jump performance and measures of daily activity in older adults living independently in the community. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 55 to 90 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Activity, Motor
- What is being tested?
- Plyometric Training and Power Training
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 48 participants
- Where
- 1 siteUnited States
- Study dates
- 13 Aug 2025to 30 Dec 2025
- 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 55 to 90 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Independently living
- Between 55-90 years of age
Who cannot join
- Uncontrolled cardiovascular disease that prevents participation in a training program.
- Documented HIV infection or another immunodeficiency syndrome.
- Current neuromuscular diseases that prevent exercise.
- Current musculoskeletal injury that prevents exercise.
- Incarcerated individuals
- Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) Score below 18
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
United States1 site
Laboratory of Neruomuscular Research and Active Aging
Coral Gables, Florida, 33147
About this study
Official title: The Effects of Plyometric or Resistance Training on Muscle and Tendon Stiffness, and Functional Performance in Older Adults
This study will compare the effects of high-speed power resistance training or plyometric jump training on muscle stiffness, jump performance and measures of daily activity in older adults living independently in the community.
- Conditions
- Activity, Motor
- Being tested
- Plyometric Training, Power Training
- Medical subject headings
- Motor Activity
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Plyometric TrainingBehavioural
Participants will receive a total of twenty-four 45-minutes in-person resistance-training sessions, twice per week, using three sets of eight repetitions per set on five upper body exercises. During resistance-training participants will be allowed 1-minute rests between sets. Participants will also perform two jump training exercises on a horizontal Pilates reformer, the leg plyometric and ankle plantar plyometric jumps.
Power TrainingBehavioural
Participants will receive a total of twenty-four 45-minutes in-person training sessions, twice per week using three sets of eight repetitions per set. During training participants will be allowed 1-minute rests between sets. Exercises will include five upper-body exercises and two lower-body exercises.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Plyometric Training | Other | Participants in this group will receive plyometric training for up to 12 weeks. Receives: Behavioral: Plyometric Training |
| Power Resistance Training | Other | Participants in this group will receive power resistance training for up to 12 weeks. Receives: Behavioral: Power Training |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change in Quadriceps Muscle Stiffness measured by Kilopascals
For muscle stiffness, three images will be taken in the longitudinal view in shear wave mode to assess stiffness of the vastus lateralis, vastus medialis and rectus femoris muscles. Color-coded images with a scale from blue (soft) to red (hard) will then be generated depending on muscle stiffness. Imaging software will then convert the wave speed data into a stiffness measures called kilopascals.
Measured: Baseline, 10 weeks
Change in Triceps Surae Muscle Stiffness measured by Kilopascals
For muscle stiffness, three images will be taken in the longitudinal view in shear wave mode to assess stiffness of the gastrocnemius lateralis, gastrocnemius medialis and soleus muscles. Color-coded images with a scale from blue (soft) to red (hard) will then be generated depending on muscle stiffness. Imaging software will then convert the wave speed data into a stiffness measures called kilopascals.
Measured: Baseline, 10 weeks
Change in Quadriceps Tendon Stiffness measured by Kilopascals
For tendon stiffness, three images will be taken in the longitudinal view in shear wave mode to assess stiffness of the quadriceps tendon. Color-coded images with a scale from blue (soft) to red (hard) will then be generated depending on tendon stiffness. Imaging software will then convert the wave speed data into a stiffness measures called kilopascals.
Measured: Baseline, 12 weeks
Change in Patellar Tendon Stiffness measured by Kilopascals
For tendon stiffness, three images will be taken in the longitudinal view in shear wave mode to assess stiffness of the patellar tendon. Color-coded images with a scale from blue (soft) to red (hard) will then be generated depending on tendon stiffness. Imaging software will then convert the wave speed data into a stiffness measures called kilopascals.
Measured: Baseline, 12 weeks
Change in Achilles Tendon Stiffness measured by Kilopascals
For tendon stiffness, three images will be taken in the longitudinal view in shear wave mode to assess stiffness of the Achilles tendon. Color-coded images with a scale from blue (soft) to red (hard) will then be generated depending on tendon stiffness. Imaging software will then convert the wave speed data into a stiffness measures called kilopascals.
Measured: Baseline, 12 weeks
Changes in Stored Elastic Energy measured by joules
For assessment of stored elastic energy, subjects will perform a Squat Jump and a Countermovement Jump on the force platform. The Squat Jump will be performed with the subject starting in a squatted position at the knee angle of approximately 90 degrees. The subject will hold that position for 1-2 s, and then jump into the air with maximal effort. For the Countermovement Jump, the subject will start in an upright position, rapidly squat down and then jump into the air with maximal effort. For both jumps, subject's hand will be held at the waist to eliminate the effect resulting from arm swing during jump performance. For each jump, three trials will be conducted with 1 min rests between trials. For safety, an experienced assistant will stand alongside each subject while performing the test to prevent injury. Energy will be measured in Joules.
Measured: Baseline, 12 weeks
Change in Gait Economy
Gait Economy will be measured using oxygen consumption on a treadmill at each subject's usual walking speed, one-half of the maximal walking speed, and 75% of the maximal walking speed. Each bout will last 5 minutes, with a 3-minute standing rest between bouts. Oxygen consumptions for the last 2 minutes of each bout will be used to compute energy cost and determine gait economy. Gait economy will be assessed as the oxygen used at each of the three walking speeds measured in milliliters of oxygen per kilogram of body weight per minute.
Measured: Baseline, 12 weeks
Secondary outcomes (9)
Change in Muscle Thickness measured in centimeters
Three images will be taken in the longitudinal view in B-mode. Muscle thickness will be measured by drawing a perpendicular line from the deep to superficial aponeurosis at the thickest region of each muscle. The unit of measurement is centimeters.
Measured: Baseline, 12 weeks
Change in Muscle Quality measured using grayscale
Muscle quality will be measured using a gray scale. The black and white pixels correspond to arbitrary values of 0 (darker) to 255 (lighter), with darker colors indicating more muscle and lighter colors indicating more fat.
Measured: Baseline, 12 weeks
Change in neuromuscular performance as measured by 1-repetition maximum (1RM).
Maximal load that can be lifted in one repetition (1RM) will be assessed in both leg press and chest press exercises. The loads on the testing equipment will be increased across 5 to 7 testing repetitions. The persons 1RM will be the highest load the person can move through the range of motion of the exercise. There are no minimum or maximum scores for this test. The higher the 1RM the stronger the person is. The unit of measurement is kilograms.
Measured: Baseline, 12 weeks
Change in the Speed of the Ten-Meter Walk Test.
The ten-meter walk test will be used to assess gait velocity. The participants will be asked to walk at usual walking speed and as quickly as possible in a straight line on a 10-m course marked at 0, 2, 8 and 10 m. On verbal command, participants will start on the 0-m mark and stop when the 10-m mark is crossed. The total time to ambulate from the 2-m mark to the 8-m mark (6 m total) will be timed to the hundredth of a second. Two trials will be performed at each speed, and the average will be documented in meters per second. One-minute recoveries will be provided between trials.
Measured: Baseline, 12 weeks
Change in Time for the Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test.
The five-time sit-to-stand test will be used to assess functional lower body strength. The participant will sit with arms folded across the chest and the back against the chair. On a verbal command, the participant will stand up and sit down five times as quickly as possible. Timing begins at the word go and ends when the buttocks touch the chair after the fifth repetition. One practice and two testing trials will be performed. Time will be measured in seconds.
Measured: Baseline, 12 weeks
Change in Distance of the Seated Medicine Ball Throw.
For the Seated Medicine Ball Throw, subjects will sit in an armless chair with the back against the chair back, while holding the 6-pound medicine ball against the chest.
Subjects will then throw the ball at a perceived 45° angle as far as possible. Subjects must complete at least three practice trials; however, subjects will be allowed more trials until comfortable with the testing procedure. Upon starting the official trial, subjects will complete three separate attempts at each varying medicine ball, to nine trials in total.
Each of the three trials within a given medicine ball test will be separated by a 1-minute rest. Distance will be measured in centimeters.
Measured: Baseline, 12 weeks
Changes in the Six-Minute Walk Test.
The object of the test is to walk as far as possible for six minutes. The subject will walk at a normal pace around a marked course for six minutes. The subject may stop to rest and begin again at will. The distance covered indicates aerobic fitness. The further a person walks, the better the cardiovascular condition. The units are meters.
Measured: Baseline, 12 weeks
Change in the time required to complete the timed Up-and-Go Test.
Upon verbal cue, the subject stands up, walks around a cone placed three meters from the front edge of the chair and then returns to a seated position as quickly as possible. Time is measured in seconds.
Measured: Baseline, 12 weeks
Change in neuromuscular performance as measured by Watts
This test measures the power a person can produce at maximal speed using loads of 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 90% of 1RM for the chest press and leg press. Power shows how fast a person can do work. Unit of measure is Watts.
Measured: Baseline, 12 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted11 Feb 2025
- Study start13 Aug 2025
- Primary completion30 Dec 2025
- Study completion30 Dec 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Activity, MotorStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by University of MiamiThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- 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
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 48 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of Miami
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Joseph Signorile, University of Miami
- Investigators
- Joseph F. Signorile, PhD, Principal investigator, University of Miami
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06821321
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 20241358
- Status last verified
- Apr 2026
- First submitted
- 6 Feb 2025
- Last updated
- 22 Apr 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 22 Apr 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The Effects of Plyometric or Resistance Training on Muscle and Tendon Stiffness, and Functional Performance in Older Adults
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06821321
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 20241358
- Conditions
- Activity, Motor
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 48 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- University of MiamiUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 13 Aug 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 30 Dec 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 30 Dec 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 11 Feb 2025 (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.
This study will compare the effects of high-speed power resistance training or plyometric jump training on muscle stiffness, jump performance and measures of daily activity in older adults living independently in the community.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Plyometric Training | Other | Behavioral: Plyometric TrainingParticipants in this group will receive plyometric training for up to 12 weeks. |
| Power Resistance Training | Other | Behavioral: Power TrainingParticipants in this group will receive power resistance training for up to 12 weeks. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 55 to 90 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (2 listed)
- Independently living
- Between 55-90 years of age
Key exclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Uncontrolled cardiovascular disease that prevents participation in a training program.
- Documented HIV infection or another immunodeficiency syndrome.
- Current neuromuscular diseases that prevent exercise.
- Current musculoskeletal injury that prevents exercise.
- Incarcerated individuals
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Plyometric TrainingParticipants will receive a total of twenty-four 45-minutes in-person resistance-training sessions, twice per week, using three sets of eight repetitions per set on five upper body exercises. During resistance-training participants will be allowed 1-minute rests between sets. Participants will also perform two jump training exercises on a horizontal Pilates reformer, the leg plyometric and ankle plantar plyometric jumps. | Behavioural | Plyometric Training |
| Power TrainingParticipants will receive a total of twenty-four 45-minutes in-person training sessions, twice per week using three sets of eight repetitions per set. During training participants will be allowed 1-minute rests between sets. Exercises will include five upper-body exercises and two lower-body exercises. | Behavioural | Power Resistance Training |
Primary outcome
Change in Quadriceps Muscle Stiffness measured by Kilopascals
Time frame: Baseline, 10 weeks
For muscle stiffness, three images will be taken in the longitudinal view in shear wave mode to assess stiffness of the vastus lateralis, vastus medialis and rectus femoris muscles. Color-coded images with a scale from blue (soft) to red (hard) will then be generated depending on muscle stiffness. Imaging software will then convert the wave speed data into a stiffness measures called kilopascals.
Change in Triceps Surae Muscle Stiffness measured by Kilopascals
Time frame: Baseline, 10 weeks
For muscle stiffness, three images will be taken in the longitudinal view in shear wave mode to assess stiffness of the gastrocnemius lateralis, gastrocnemius medialis and soleus muscles. Color-coded images with a scale from blue (soft) to red (hard) will then be generated depending on muscle stiffness. Imaging software will then convert the wave speed data into a stiffness measures called kilopascals.
Change in Quadriceps Tendon Stiffness measured by Kilopascals
Time frame: Baseline, 12 weeks
For tendon stiffness, three images will be taken in the longitudinal view in shear wave mode to assess stiffness of the quadriceps tendon. Color-coded images with a scale from blue (soft) to red (hard) will then be generated depending on tendon stiffness. Imaging software will then convert the wave speed data into a stiffness measures called kilopascals.
Change in Patellar Tendon Stiffness measured by Kilopascals
Time frame: Baseline, 12 weeks
For tendon stiffness, three images will be taken in the longitudinal view in shear wave mode to assess stiffness of the patellar tendon. Color-coded images with a scale from blue (soft) to red (hard) will then be generated depending on tendon stiffness. Imaging software will then convert the wave speed data into a stiffness measures called kilopascals.
Change in Achilles Tendon Stiffness measured by Kilopascals
Time frame: Baseline, 12 weeks
For tendon stiffness, three images will be taken in the longitudinal view in shear wave mode to assess stiffness of the Achilles tendon. Color-coded images with a scale from blue (soft) to red (hard) will then be generated depending on tendon stiffness. Imaging software will then convert the wave speed data into a stiffness measures called kilopascals.
Changes in Stored Elastic Energy measured by joules
Time frame: Baseline, 12 weeks
For assessment of stored elastic energy, subjects will perform a Squat Jump and a Countermovement Jump on the force platform. The Squat Jump will be performed with the subject starting in a squatted position at the knee angle of approximately 90 degrees. The subject will hold that position for 1-2 s, and then jump into the air with maximal effort. For the Countermovement Jump, the subject will start in an upright position, rapidly squat down and then jump into the air with maximal effort. For both jumps, subject's hand will be held at the waist to eliminate the effect resulting from arm swing during jump performance. For each jump, three trials will be conducted with 1 min rests between trials. For safety, an experienced assistant will stand alongside each subject while performing the test to prevent injury. Energy will be measured in Joules.
Change in Gait Economy
Time frame: Baseline, 12 weeks
Gait Economy will be measured using oxygen consumption on a treadmill at each subject's usual walking speed, one-half of the maximal walking speed, and 75% of the maximal walking speed. Each bout will last 5 minutes, with a 3-minute standing rest between bouts. Oxygen consumptions for the last 2 minutes of each bout will be used to compute energy cost and determine gait economy. Gait economy will be assessed as the oxygen used at each of the three walking speeds measured in milliliters of oxygen per kilogram of body weight per minute.
9 secondary outcomes
Change in Muscle Thickness measured in centimeters
Time frame: Baseline, 12 weeks
Change in Muscle Quality measured using grayscale
Time frame: Baseline, 12 weeks
Change in neuromuscular performance as measured by 1-repetition maximum (1RM).
Time frame: Baseline, 12 weeks
Change in the Speed of the Ten-Meter Walk Test.
Time frame: Baseline, 12 weeks
Change in Time for the Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test.
Time frame: Baseline, 12 weeks
Change in Distance of the Seated Medicine Ball Throw.
Time frame: Baseline, 12 weeks
Changes in the Six-Minute Walk Test.
Time frame: Baseline, 12 weeks
Change in the time required to complete the timed Up-and-Go Test.
Time frame: Baseline, 12 weeks
Change in neuromuscular performance as measured by Watts
Time frame: Baseline, 12 weeks
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 22 Apr 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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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.
Joseph F. Signorile, PhD principal investigator
University of Miami
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Plyometric Training and Power Training in people with Activity, Motor, run by University of Miami at 1 site in United States.
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 2 inclusion and 6 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 22 Apr 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 United States. 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 in Quadriceps Muscle Stiffness measured by Kilopascals (time frame: Baseline, 10 weeks). The study lists 7 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
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 22 Apr 2026.