SarcopeniaTRX-SARCNCT07398092
TRX Suspension Training for Sarcopenia in Older Men
A study testing TRX Suspension Training and Usual Daily Activities in people with Sarcopenia, run by WeiJin Zhang at 1 site in China.
Trial summary
This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effects of a 12-week TRX suspension training program on physical fitness, gait performance, and selected blood biomarkers in older men with sarcopenia. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 65 years and older, men only
- Conditions the study is for
- Sarcopenia
- What is being tested?
- TRX Suspension Training and Usual Daily Activities
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 36 participants
- Where
- 1 siteChina
- Study dates
- 1 Feb 2024to 30 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 65 years and older
- Men only
- No healthy volunteers
- Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Male participants aged 65 years or older.
- Diagnosis of sarcopenia based on established criteria, including low handgrip strength, reduced skeletal muscle mass index, and slow gait speed.
- Ability to walk independently without assistive devices.
- Ability to understand the study procedures and provide written informed consent.
- Willingness to participate in the 12-week intervention and complete all required assessments.
Who cannot join
- Presence of severe cardiovascular disease or other medical conditions that contraindicate moderate-intensity exercise.
- Diagnosis of severe depression, dementia, or other neurological or psychiatric disorders that could interfere with participation.
- Participation in other structured exercise or training programs during the study period.
- History of drug or alcohol abuse.
- Any musculoskeletal, neurological, or systemic condition that would prevent safe participation in the exercise intervention.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Effects of TRX Suspension Training on Physical Fitness, Gait Performance, and Inflammatory and Growth-Related Biomarkers in Older Men With Sarcopenia: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effects of a 12-week TRX suspension training program on physical fitness, gait performance, and selected blood biomarkers in older men with sarcopenia. Sarcopenia is an age-related condition characterized by loss of muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical function, which increases the risk of falls, disability, and reduced quality of life.
A total of 36 older men diagnosed with sarcopenia were randomly assigned to either a TRX suspension training group or a control group. The training group participated in supervised TRX exercise sessions three times per week for 12 weeks, with each session lasting approximately 60 minutes. The control group maintained their usual daily activities without structured exercise intervention.
Physical fitness, walking ability, and blood biomarkers related to inflammation and muscle growth were assessed before and after the intervention. The study aimed to determine whether TRX suspension training is a safe and effective exercise approach for improving muscle strength, balance, walking ability, and biological indicators associated with sarcopenia in older adults.
Read the detailed description
This study was a single-center, randomized controlled trial designed to examine the effects of TRX suspension training on physical fitness, gait performance, and inflammatory- and growth-related biomarkers in older men with sarcopenia.
Eligible participants were men aged 65 years and older who met established diagnostic criteria for sarcopenia based on low handgrip strength, reduced skeletal muscle mass index, and slow gait speed. After screening, 36 participants were randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to either an experimental group receiving TRX suspension training or a control group maintaining usual daily activities.
The intervention consisted of a 12-week TRX suspension training program conducted three times per week. Each training session lasted approximately 60 minutes and included a warm-up period, a main training phase, and a cool-down period. The exercise program emphasized multi-joint, whole-body movements targeting the upper limbs, lower limbs, and trunk. Training intensity and difficulty were progressively adjusted using body angle and support-point principles to ensure safety and individualized progression for older participants.
Assessments were performed before the intervention and within 48 hours after completion of the 12-week program. Outcome measures included physical fitness tests (upper- and lower-limb muscle strength, balance, and agility), gait performance tests (mobility, walking speed, and walking endurance), and fasting blood biomarkers related to inflammation and muscle growth, including interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, insulin-like growth factor-1, C-reactive protein, and vitamin D.
The primary objective of the study was to determine whether TRX suspension training could improve muscle strength and functional mobility in older men with sarcopenia. Secondary objectives included evaluating changes in gait performance and selected biological markers associated with inflammation and muscle metabolism. This study aimed to provide evidence supporting the use of TRX suspension training as a safe and effective exercise strategy for improving physical function and reducing fall risk in older adults with sarcopenia.
- Conditions
- Sarcopenia
- Being tested
- TRX Suspension Training, Usual Daily Activities
- Keywords
- TRX suspension training, Resistance training, Older adults, Physical fitness, Gait performance, Muscle strength, Inflammatory biomarkers, Randomized controlled trial
- Medical subject headings
- Sarcopenia
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
TRX Suspension TrainingBehavioural
TRX suspension training was delivered as a structured, supervised exercise program conducted three times per week for 12 weeks. Each session lasted approximately 60 minutes and included warm-up, main training, and cool-down phases. The program emphasized progressive, whole-body resistance exercises targeting the upper limbs, lower limbs, and trunk, with training intensity individualized through adjustments in body angle and support points.
Usual Daily ActivitiesOther
Participants continued their usual daily activities during the 12-week study period and did not receive any structured exercise or training intervention.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| TRX Suspension Training Group | Experimental | Participants assigned to this arm received a supervised TRX suspension training program for 12 weeks. Training sessions were conducted three times per week, with each session lasting approximately 60 minutes. The program included progressive, whole-body resistance exercises targeting the upper limbs, lower limbs, and trunk. Receives: Behavioral: TRX Suspension Training |
| Control Group | Other | Participants in the control group maintained their usual daily activities throughout the 12-week study period and did not participate in any structured exercise or training intervention. Receives: Other: Usual Daily Activities |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change in Handgrip Strength
Handgrip strength was measured using a digital handgrip dynamometer. The primary outcome was the change in maximal handgrip strength from baseline to the end of the 12-week intervention period.
Measured: Baseline to 12 weeks
Secondary outcomes (11)
Change in 30-Second Chair Stand Test Performance
Lower-limb muscle strength was assessed using the 30-second chair stand test. The outcome was defined as the change in the number of completed stands from baseline to the end of the 12-week intervention.
Measured: Baseline to 12 weeks
Change in 30-Second Arm Curl Test Performance
Upper-limb muscular endurance was evaluated using the 30-second arm curl test. The outcome was the change in the number of repetitions completed from baseline to the end of the 12-week intervention period.
Measured: Baseline to 12 weeks
Change in Single-Leg Stance Time
Static balance was assessed using the single-leg stance test. The outcome was defined as the change in maximal standing time from baseline to the end of the 12-week intervention.
Measured: Baseline to 12 weeks
Change in Four Square Step Test Performance
Dynamic balance and agility were evaluated using the four square step test. The outcome was the change in completion time from baseline to the end of the 12-week intervention period.
Measured: Baseline to 12 weeks
Change in Timed Up and Go Test Performance
Functional mobility was assessed using the Timed Up and Go test. The outcome was defined as the change in test completion time from baseline to the end of the 12-week intervention.
Measured: Baseline to 12 weeks
Change in 10-Meter Walk Test Performance
Walking speed was evaluated using the 10-meter walk test. The outcome was defined as the change in walking time from baseline to the end of the 12-week intervention period.
Measured: Baseline to 12 weeks
Change in Six-Minute Walk Test Distance
Walking endurance was assessed using the six-minute walk test. The outcome was defined as the change in total walking distance from baseline to the end of the 12-week intervention.
Measured: Baseline to 12 weeks
Change in Serum Interleukin-6 Levels
Systemic inflammation was evaluated by measuring fasting serum interleukin-6 concentrations. The outcome was defined as the change in IL-6 levels from baseline to the end of the 12-week intervention.
Measured: Baseline to 12 weeks
Change in Serum Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha Levels
Inflammatory status was assessed by measuring fasting serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha concentrations. The outcome was defined as the change in TNF-alpha levels from baseline to the end of the 12-week intervention.
Measured: Baseline to 12 weeks
Change in Serum Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 Levels
Muscle anabolic status was assessed by measuring fasting serum insulin-like growth factor-1 concentrations. The outcome was defined as the change in IGF-1 levels from baseline to the end of the 12-week intervention.
Measured: Baseline to 12 weeks
Change in Serum Vitamin D Levels
Vitamin D status was evaluated by measuring fasting serum vitamin D concentrations. The outcome was defined as the change in vitamin D levels from baseline to the end of the 12-week intervention.
Measured: Baseline to 12 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted9 Feb 2026
- Study start1 Feb 2024
- Primary completion30 Jul 2024
- Study completion30 Aug 2024
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for SarcopeniaStudies 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
- Participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either a TRX suspension training group or a control group and remained in their assigned group throughout the 12-week intervention period.
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 36 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- WeiJin Zhang
- Sponsor type
- Other government
- Responsible party
- Sponsor-investigator, WeiJin Zhang, Sangmyung University
- Investigators
- Seung-Soo Baek, PhD, Principal investigator, Department of Sport and Healthcare, Sangmyung University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07398092
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- YBU-TRX-SARC-2024-01
- Acronym
- TRX-SARC
- Status last verified
- Feb 2026
- First submitted
- 2 Feb 2026
- Last updated
- 12 Feb 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Yes: De-identified individual participant data underlying the results reported in the published article, including demographic variables, baseline and post-intervention physical fitness measures, gait performance outcomes, and laboratory biomarker data.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 12 Feb 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of TRX Suspension Training on Physical Fitness, Gait Performance, and Inflammatory and Growth-Related Biomarkers in Older Men With Sarcopenia: A Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07398092
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- TRX-SARC / YBU-TRX-SARC-2024-01
- Conditions
- Sarcopenia
- Keywords
- TRX suspension training, Resistance training, Older adults, Physical fitness, Gait performance, Muscle strength, Inflammatory biomarkers, Randomized controlled trial
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 36 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- WeiJin ZhangOther government
- Study start
- 1 Feb 2024 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 30 Jul 2024 (actual)
- Study completion
- 30 Aug 2024 (actual)
- First posted
- 9 Feb 2026 (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 randomized controlled trial evaluated the effects of a 12-week TRX suspension training program on physical fitness, gait performance, and selected blood biomarkers in older men with sarcopenia. Sarcopenia is an age-related condition characterized by loss of muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical function, which increases the risk of falls, disability, and reduced quality of life.
A total of 36 older men diagnosed with sarcopenia were randomly assigned to either a TRX suspension training group or a control group. The training group participated in supervised TRX exercise sessions three times per week for 12 weeks, with each session lasting approximately 60 minutes. The control group maintained their usual daily activities without structured exercise intervention.
Physical fitness, walking ability, and blood biomarkers related to inflammation and muscle growth were assessed before and after the intervention. The study aimed to determine whether TRX suspension training is a safe and effective exercise approach for improving muscle strength, balance, walking ability, and biological indicators associated with sarcopenia in older adults.
Detailed description
This study was a single-center, randomized controlled trial designed to examine the effects of TRX suspension training on physical fitness, gait performance, and inflammatory- and growth-related biomarkers in older men with sarcopenia.
Eligible participants were men aged 65 years and older who met established diagnostic criteria for sarcopenia based on low handgrip strength, reduced skeletal muscle mass index, and slow gait speed. After screening, 36 participants were randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to either an experimental group receiving TRX suspension training or a control group maintaining usual daily activities.
The intervention consisted of a 12-week TRX suspension training program conducted three times per week. Each training session lasted approximately 60 minutes and included a warm-up period, a main training phase, and a cool-down period. The exercise program emphasized multi-joint, whole-body movements targeting the upper limbs, lower limbs, and trunk. Training intensity and difficulty were progressively adjusted using body angle and support-point principles to ensure safety and individualized progression for older participants.
Assessments were performed before the intervention and within 48 hours after completion of the 12-week program. Outcome measures included physical fitness tests (upper- and lower-limb muscle strength, balance, and agility), gait performance tests (mobility, walking speed, and walking endurance), and fasting blood biomarkers related to inflammation and muscle growth, including interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, insulin-like growth factor-1, C-reactive protein, and vitamin D.
The primary objective of the study was to determine whether TRX suspension training could improve muscle strength and functional mobility in older men with sarcopenia. Secondary objectives included evaluating changes in gait performance and selected biological markers associated with inflammation and muscle metabolism. This study aimed to provide evidence supporting the use of TRX suspension training as a safe and effective exercise strategy for improving physical function and reducing fall risk in older adults with sarcopenia.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either a TRX suspension training group or a control group and remained in their assigned group throughout the 12-week intervention period.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| TRX Suspension Training Group | Experimental | Behavioral: TRX Suspension TrainingParticipants assigned to this arm received a supervised TRX suspension training program for 12 weeks. Training sessions were conducted three times per week, with each session lasting approximately 60 minutes. The program included progressive, whole-body resistance exercises targeting the upper limbs, lower limbs, and trunk. |
| Control Group | Other | Other: Usual Daily ActivitiesParticipants in the control group maintained their usual daily activities throughout the 12-week study period and did not participate in any structured exercise or training intervention. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 65 years and older
- Sex
- Male only
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Male participants aged 65 years or older.
- Diagnosis of sarcopenia based on established criteria, including low handgrip strength, reduced skeletal muscle mass index, and slow gait speed.
- Ability to walk independently without assistive devices.
- Ability to understand the study procedures and provide written informed consent.
- Willingness to participate in the 12-week intervention and complete all required assessments.
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Presence of severe cardiovascular disease or other medical conditions that contraindicate moderate-intensity exercise.
- Diagnosis of severe depression, dementia, or other neurological or psychiatric disorders that could interfere with participation.
- Participation in other structured exercise or training programs during the study period.
- History of drug or alcohol abuse.
- Any musculoskeletal, neurological, or systemic condition that would prevent safe participation in the exercise intervention.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| TRX Suspension TrainingTRX suspension training was delivered as a structured, supervised exercise program conducted three times per week for 12 weeks. Each session lasted approximately 60 minutes and included warm-up, main training, and cool-down phases. The program emphasized progressive, whole-body resistance exercises targeting the upper limbs, lower limbs, and trunk, with training intensity individualized through adjustments in body angle and support points. | Behavioural | TRX Suspension Training Group |
| Usual Daily ActivitiesParticipants continued their usual daily activities during the 12-week study period and did not receive any structured exercise or training intervention. | Other | Control Group |
Primary outcome
Change in Handgrip Strength
Time frame: Baseline to 12 weeks
Handgrip strength was measured using a digital handgrip dynamometer. The primary outcome was the change in maximal handgrip strength from baseline to the end of the 12-week intervention period.
11 secondary outcomes
Change in 30-Second Chair Stand Test Performance
Time frame: Baseline to 12 weeks
Change in 30-Second Arm Curl Test Performance
Time frame: Baseline to 12 weeks
Change in Single-Leg Stance Time
Time frame: Baseline to 12 weeks
Change in Four Square Step Test Performance
Time frame: Baseline to 12 weeks
Change in Timed Up and Go Test Performance
Time frame: Baseline to 12 weeks
Change in 10-Meter Walk Test Performance
Time frame: Baseline to 12 weeks
Change in Six-Minute Walk Test Distance
Time frame: Baseline to 12 weeks
Change in Serum Interleukin-6 Levels
Time frame: Baseline to 12 weeks
Change in Serum Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha Levels
Time frame: Baseline to 12 weeks
Change in Serum Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 Levels
Time frame: Baseline to 12 weeks
Change in Serum Vitamin D Levels
Time frame: Baseline to 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 12 Feb 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Yes. De-identified individual participant data underlying the results reported in the published article, including demographic variables, baseline and post-intervention physical fitness measures, gait performance outcomes, and laboratory biomarker data.
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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.
Seung-Soo Baek, PhD principal investigator
Department of Sport and Healthcare, Sangmyung University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing TRX Suspension Training and Usual Daily Activities in people with Sarcopenia, run by WeiJin Zhang at 1 site in China.
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 5 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: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 12 Feb 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 China. 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 Handgrip Strength (time frame: Baseline to 12 weeks). 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 12 Feb 2026.