Effects of Overload Eccentric and Concentric Resistance Training on the Cost of Walking, Muscle-tendon and Jumping Performance in Healthy Older Individuals

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.

NCT Number	NCT06838481
Lead Sponsor	Hungarian University of Sports Science Collaborators: Semmelweis University
Conditions	Healthy Older Adults
Enrollment	100 participants
Start Date	2024-05-15
Primary Completion	2025-12-15 (estimated)
Study Completion	2026-05-15 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2025-02-20