Healthy Older AdultsEOECORT-COM-JPNCT06838481
Effects of Overload Eccentric and Concentric Resistance Training on the Cost of Walking, Muscle-tendon and Jumping Performance in Healthy Older Individuals
A study testing Concentric overload resistance training and Eccentric overload resistance training in people with Healthy Older Adults, run by Hungarian University of Sports Science at 1 site in Hungary.
Trial summary
Normal aging leads to a decline in neuromuscular and mobility functions, including a 60% reduction in maximal voluntary force production, a 25% decrease in muscle volume and quality (sarcopenia), and reduced tendon stiffness by age 70. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 60 years and older
- Conditions the study is for
- Healthy Older Adults
- What is being tested?
- Concentric overload resistance training and Eccentric overload resistance training
- Could I receive a placebo?
- Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
- How many people
- 100 participants
- Where
- 1 siteHungary
- Study dates
- 15 May 2024to 15 May 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
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
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- • Healthy men and women aged 60+ (intervention study).
- No significant cognitive or cardiovascular impairments.
Who cannot join
- • Acute injuries or history of severe tendon injuries (Achilles or patellar tendon rupture).
- Tendinopathy or chronic musculoskeletal disorders.
- Hypertension, unless controlled with medication.
- Neurological or psychiatric disorders (dementia, mild cognitive impairment).
- Metabolic diseases affecting muscle/tendon function,
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Hungary1 site
Hungarian University of Sports Science, Budapest, Hungary
Budapest XII., Budapest, 1037
About this study
Normal aging leads to a decline in neuromuscular and mobility functions, including a 60% reduction in maximal voluntary force production, a 25% decrease in muscle volume and quality (sarcopenia), and reduced tendon stiffness by age 70. These changes impair walking speed, balance, and increase the metabolic cost of walking by ~20% in older adults compared to younger individuals. While walking training can reduce metabolic costs, no interventions have successfully addressed the 20% age-related difference. Resistance training, particularly eccentric (muscle-lengthening) training, shows promise for improving muscle strength and mass, but its effects on functional, cognitive abilities, and walking economy in older adults remain unexplored.
Read the detailed description
Normal aging is characterized by a decline in neuromuscular and mobility functions. By the age of 70, maximal voluntary force production decreases by approximately 60%, accompanied by a ~25% reduction in muscle volume and quality, leading to sarcopenia. Alongside changes in muscle protein content, composition, and mitochondrial biochemistry, aging also affects tendon properties. While healthy aging does not significantly alter tendon size, it reduces tendon stiffness, which can delay force transmission. These changes in muscle-tendon function contribute to slower walking speeds and impaired static and dynamic balance.
One of the most significant functional changes with aging is the increased metabolic cost of walking. Older individuals require ~20% more metabolic energy to walk the same distance as younger adults, yet the underlying reasons remain unclear. While walking training has been shown to reduce metabolic costs in older adults, no studies have attempted to reduce this 20% age-related difference using alternative interventions.
Resistance training induces adaptations in muscle-tendon function by requiring participants to overcome external loads. Traditional resistance training combines concentric (muscle shortening) and eccentric (muscle lengthening) contractions, but eccentric training has received increasing attention due to its superior benefits in muscle strength and mass improvement. However, no studies have examined how resistance training, particularly with an eccentric focus, impacts functional and cognitive abilities or walking economy in older adults.
Objectives:
This study aims to:
- Investigate the effects of resistance training, particularly eccentric-focused training, on muscle-tendon function and walking economy in older adults.
- Examine whether these changes translate into improved neuromuscular and cognitive functions.
- Determine if improved tendon stiffness leads to more efficient force transmission, reducing walking energy expenditure.
- Conditions
- Healthy Older Adults
- Being tested
- Concentric overload resistance training, Eccentric overload resistance training, Active Control
- Keywords
- Resistance training, cost of walking, cost of transfer, balance, countermovement jump, SSC
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Concentric overload resistance trainingOther
Also called active control
- Resistance training groups will train 2-3 times per week for 3 months using specialized TechnoGym machines.
- Exercises include Concentric leg press, knee extension, and ankle plantarflexion in a progressive loading program following American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) \& National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) guidelines.
- Heart rate, blood pressure, and perceived exertion will be monitored during each session.
Eccentric overload resistance trainingOther
- Resistance training groups will train 2-3 times per week for 3 months using specialized TechnoGym machines.
- Exercises include Eccentric leg press, knee extension, and ankle plantarflexion in a progressive loading program following American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) \& National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) guidelines.
- Heart rate, blood pressure, and perceived exertion will be monitored during each session.
Active ControlOther
Walking
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Concentric overload resistance training | Active comparator | Receive Concentric overload resistance training Receives: Other: Concentric overload resistance training |
| Eccentric overload resistance training | Experimental | Receive Eccentric overload resistance training Receives: Other: Eccentric overload resistance training |
| Active control group | Placebo comparator | walking intervention Receives: Other: Active Control |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Walking metabolic cost
Assessed using spirometry at different speeds (J/kg/m)
Measured: Through study completion, an average of 1.5 year
Secondary outcomes (6)
Maximum isometric voluntary contraction
Maximum isometric voluntary force using a dynamometer. (Nm)
Measured: Through study completion, an average of 1.5 year
Patella and Achilles tendon stiffness
Stiffness is the slope of the force elongation curve using dynamometer combining with Ultrasound (N/mm)
Measured: Through study completion, an average of 1.5 year
Vastus lateralis and Gastrocnemius muscle thickness & tendon thickness
VL, GC, and Achilles tendon \& patellar tendon will be assessed using Ultrasound images (mm)
Measured: Through study completion, an average of 1.5 year
Whole leg muscle mass
Whole leg muscle mass via DEXA scan.(Kg)
Measured: Through study completion, an average of 1.5 year
Jump efficiency
squat jump and Countermovement jump height (cm) jump efficiency (%)
Measured: Through study completion, an average of 1.5 year
Cognitive Assessments
Cognitive tests: Executive function, working memory, and processing speed using some questionnaires with score values.
Reaction Time (milliseconds, ms) Score (points or errors) - Based on correct/incorrect responses in tasks Number of correct responses per second (responses/sec)
Measured: Through study completion, an average of 1.5 year
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted20 Feb 2025
- Study start15 May 2024
- Primary completion15 Dec 2025 (estimated)
- Study completion15 May 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (6)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Healthy Older AdultsStudies 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
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Cross-Sectional Component: Purpose: To assess baseline muscle-tendon function, metabolic function, and other relevant measures in older adults. Design: Observational, providing a snapshot of the participants' characteristics before the intervention. Longitudinal Intervention Component: Purpose: To examine the effects of different training interventions over time and assess retention effects. Design: A three-arm parallel-group randomized controlled trial (RCT) with pre- and post-intervention assessments.
- Masking
- Quadruple blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Care provider, Investigator, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 100 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Hungarian University of Sports Science
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Semmelweis University
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Mohamed Abdelaziz Emam, Hungarian University of Sports Science
- Investigators
- Prof. DR. Tibor Hortobágyi Hortobágyi, Principal investigator, Hungarian University of Sports Science, Department of Kinesioogy, Budapest, Hungary
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06838481
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- TE-KEB/No11/2024
- Other IDs
- TE-KEB/No11/2024
- Acronym
- EOECORT-COM-JP
- Status last verified
- Feb 2025
- First submitted
- 9 Feb 2025
- Last updated
- 20 Feb 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Yes
Publications
Malatesta D, Canepa M, Menendez Fernandez A. The effect of treadmill and overground walking on preferred walking speed and gait kinematics in healthy, physically active older adults. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2017 Sep;117(9):1833-1843. doi: 10.1007/s00421-017-3672-3. Epub 2017 Jul 7.
PubMed 28687953Thomas EE, De Vito G, Macaluso A. Speed training with body weight unloading improves walking energy cost and maximal speed in 75- to 85-year-old healthy women. J Appl Physiol (1985). 2007 Nov;103(5):1598-603. doi: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00399.2007. Epub 2007 Sep 6.
PubMed 17823302Valenti G, Bonomi AG, Westerterp KR. Multicomponent Fitness Training Improves Walking Economy in Older Adults. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2016 Jul;48(7):1365-70. doi: 10.1249/MSS.0000000000000893.
PubMed 26848888Hunter GR, Fisher G, Neumeier WH, Carter SJ, Plaisance EP. Exercise Training and Energy Expenditure following Weight Loss. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2015 Sep;47(9):1950-7. doi: 10.1249/MSS.0000000000000622.
PubMed 25606816Hunter GR, McCarthy JP, Bryan DR, Zuckerman PA, Bamman MM, Byrne NM. Increased strength and decreased flexibility are related to reduced oxygen cost of walking. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2008 Nov;104(5):895-901. doi: 10.1007/s00421-008-0846-z. Epub 2008 Aug 29.
PubMed 18758805Godges JJ, MacRae PG, Engelke KA. Effects of exercise on hip range of motion, trunk muscle performance, and gait economy. Phys Ther. 1993 Jul;73(7):468-77. doi: 10.1093/ptj/73.7.468.
PubMed 8316580
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 20 Feb 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Overload Eccentric and Concentric Resistance Training on the Cost of Walking, Muscle-tendon and Jumping Performance in Healthy Older Individuals
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06838481
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- EOECORT-COM-JP / TE-KEB/No11/2024
- Conditions
- Healthy Older Adults
- Keywords
- Resistance training, cost of walking, cost of transfer, balance, countermovement jump, SSC
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Active, not recruiting
- Enrolment
- 100 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Hungarian University of Sports ScienceUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Semmelweis University
- Study start
- 15 May 2024 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 15 Dec 2025 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 15 May 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 20 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.
Normal aging leads to a decline in neuromuscular and mobility functions, including a 60% reduction in maximal voluntary force production, a 25% decrease in muscle volume and quality (sarcopenia), and reduced tendon stiffness by age 70. These changes impair walking speed, balance, and increase the metabolic cost of walking by ~20% in older adults compared to younger individuals. While walking training can reduce metabolic costs, no interventions have successfully addressed the 20% age-related difference. Resistance training, particularly eccentric (muscle-lengthening) training, shows promise for improving muscle strength and mass, but its effects on functional, cognitive abilities, and walking economy in older adults remain unexplored.
Detailed description
Normal aging is characterized by a decline in neuromuscular and mobility functions. By the age of 70, maximal voluntary force production decreases by approximately 60%, accompanied by a ~25% reduction in muscle volume and quality, leading to sarcopenia. Alongside changes in muscle protein content, composition, and mitochondrial biochemistry, aging also affects tendon properties. While healthy aging does not significantly alter tendon size, it reduces tendon stiffness, which can delay force transmission. These changes in muscle-tendon function contribute to slower walking speeds and impaired static and dynamic balance.
One of the most significant functional changes with aging is the increased metabolic cost of walking. Older individuals require ~20% more metabolic energy to walk the same distance as younger adults, yet the underlying reasons remain unclear. While walking training has been shown to reduce metabolic costs in older adults, no studies have attempted to reduce this 20% age-related difference using alternative interventions.
Resistance training induces adaptations in muscle-tendon function by requiring participants to overcome external loads. Traditional resistance training combines concentric (muscle shortening) and eccentric (muscle lengthening) contractions, but eccentric training has received increasing attention due to its superior benefits in muscle strength and mass improvement. However, no studies have examined how resistance training, particularly with an eccentric focus, impacts functional and cognitive abilities or walking economy in older adults.
Objectives:
This study aims to:
- Investigate the effects of resistance training, particularly eccentric-focused training, on muscle-tendon function and walking economy in older adults.
- Examine whether these changes translate into improved neuromuscular and cognitive functions.
- Determine if improved tendon stiffness leads to more efficient force transmission, reducing walking energy expenditure.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Quadruple blind (participant, care provider, investigator, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 3
- Model description
- Cross-Sectional Component: Purpose: To assess baseline muscle-tendon function, metabolic function, and other relevant measures in older adults. Design: Observational, providing a snapshot of the participants' characteristics before the intervention. Longitudinal Intervention Component: Purpose: To examine the effects of different training interventions over time and assess retention effects. Design: A three-arm parallel-group randomized controlled trial (RCT) with pre- and post-intervention assessments.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Concentric overload resistance training | Active comparator | Other: Concentric overload resistance trainingReceive Concentric overload resistance training |
| Eccentric overload resistance training | Experimental | Other: Eccentric overload resistance trainingReceive Eccentric overload resistance training |
| Active control group | Placebo comparator | Other: Active Controlwalking intervention |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 60 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (2 listed)
- • Healthy men and women aged 60+ (intervention study).
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- • Acute injuries or history of severe tendon injuries (Achilles or patellar tendon rupture).
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Concentric overload resistance trainingAlso: active control* Resistance training groups will train 2-3 times per week for 3 months using specialized TechnoGym machines. * Exercises include Concentric leg press, knee extension, and ankle plantarflexion in a progressive loading program following American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) \& National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) guidelines. * Heart rate, blood pressure, and perceived exertion will be monitored during each session. | Other | Concentric overload resistance training |
| Eccentric overload resistance training* Resistance training groups will train 2-3 times per week for 3 months using specialized TechnoGym machines. * Exercises include Eccentric leg press, knee extension, and ankle plantarflexion in a progressive loading program following American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) \& National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) guidelines. * Heart rate, blood pressure, and perceived exertion will be monitored during each session. | Other | Eccentric overload resistance training |
| Active ControlWalking | Other | Active control group |
Primary outcome
Walking metabolic cost
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 1.5 year
Assessed using spirometry at different speeds (J/kg/m)
6 secondary outcomes
Maximum isometric voluntary contraction
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 1.5 year
Patella and Achilles tendon stiffness
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 1.5 year
Vastus lateralis and Gastrocnemius muscle thickness & tendon thickness
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 1.5 year
Whole leg muscle mass
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 1.5 year
Jump efficiency
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 1.5 year
Cognitive Assessments
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 1.5 year
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 20 Feb 2025.
- Background: PubMed 28687953Malatesta D, Canepa M, Menendez Fernandez A. The effect of treadmill and overground walking on preferred walking speed and gait kinematics in healthy, physically active older adults. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2017 Sep;117(9):1833-1843. doi: 10.1007/s00421-017-3672-3. Epub 2017 Jul 7.
- Background: PubMed 17823302Thomas EE, De Vito G, Macaluso A. Speed training with body weight unloading improves walking energy cost and maximal speed in 75- to 85-year-old healthy women. J Appl Physiol (1985). 2007 Nov;103(5):1598-603. doi: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00399.2007. Epub 2007 Sep 6.
- Background: PubMed 26848888Valenti G, Bonomi AG, Westerterp KR. Multicomponent Fitness Training Improves Walking Economy in Older Adults. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2016 Jul;48(7):1365-70. doi: 10.1249/MSS.0000000000000893.
- Background: PubMed 25606816Hunter GR, Fisher G, Neumeier WH, Carter SJ, Plaisance EP. Exercise Training and Energy Expenditure following Weight Loss. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2015 Sep;47(9):1950-7. doi: 10.1249/MSS.0000000000000622.
- Background: PubMed 18758805Hunter GR, McCarthy JP, Bryan DR, Zuckerman PA, Bamman MM, Byrne NM. Increased strength and decreased flexibility are related to reduced oxygen cost of walking. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2008 Nov;104(5):895-901. doi: 10.1007/s00421-008-0846-z. Epub 2008 Aug 29.
- Background: PubMed 8316580Godges JJ, MacRae PG, Engelke KA. Effects of exercise on hip range of motion, trunk muscle performance, and gait economy. Phys Ther. 1993 Jul;73(7):468-77. doi: 10.1093/ptj/73.7.468.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Yes
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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.
Prof. DR. Tibor Hortobágyi Hortobágyi principal investigator
Hungarian University of Sports Science, Department of Kinesioogy, Budapest, Hungary
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Concentric overload resistance training and Eccentric overload resistance training in people with Healthy Older Adults, run by Hungarian University of Sports Science at 1 site in Hungary.
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 5 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: under way, not looking for participants, as of the sponsor's last update on 20 Feb 2025. 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 Hungary. 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. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. 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?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
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?
Walking metabolic cost (time frame: Through study completion, an average of 1.5 year). 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 NCT06838481, which also lists 6 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 20 Feb 2025.