Effects of Aquatic Exercise in Older Adults With Sarcopenia:A Randomized Trial

Sponsor
Gaziosmanpasa Research and Education Hospital
Study ID
NCT07575958
Status
Recruiting
Apply to this trial

Conditions

  • Sarcopenia
  • Sarcopenia in Elderly

Eligibility Criteria

Sex
ALL
Age
65 Years - N/A
Healthy Volunteers
Not accepted

Interventions

  • Aquatic Exercise Program — BEHAVIORAL
    The aquatic exercise program will be conducted under supervision in a pool environment for a total of 15 sessions over 6 weeks. The program will consist of 2 sessions per week during the first 3 weeks and 3 sessions per week during the last 3 weeks. Each session will include structured exercises designed to improve muscle strength, balance, and functional performance in older adults with sarcopenia. Participants will also continue a standardized home exercise program throughout the study period.
  • Home Exercise Program — BEHAVIORAL
    Participants in the control group will perform a standardized home exercise program for a total of 6 weeks. The program will consist of exercises designed to improve muscle strength, balance, and functional performance in older adults with sarcopenia. Participants will be instructed to perform the exercises regularly at home throughout the study period. No supervised aquatic exercise or additional intervention will be provided.

Study Details

Sarcopenia is a geriatric syndrome characterized by age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass, strength, and physical performance, leading to increased risk of falls, functional decline, and reduced quality of life. Exercise interventions, particularly resistance training, are effective in managing sarcopenia; however, land-based exercises may be challenging for older adults due to balance impairments, joint problems, and fear of falling. Pool-based exercise programs may offer a safe and feasible alternative, as water buoyancy reduces joint loading while providing resistance to support muscle strengthening. Despite these potential benefits, evidence regarding the effects of aquatic exercise in individuals with sarcopenia remains limited, especially in Türkiye. This study aims to evaluate the effects of a 6-week supervised pool-based exercise program on muscle strength, muscle morphology, physical performance, mood, and quality of life in individuals aged 65 years and older with sarcopenia. Sarcopenia will be identified using the Sonographic Thigh Adjustment Ratio (STAR), based on ultrasound measurements of anterior thigh muscle thickness. In addition, appendicular skeletal muscle mass will be assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis (ASM/height²). Outcome measures will include ultrasound-based muscle thickness, STAR, muscle strength, functional performance tests, depressive symptoms, and health-related quality of life. Assessments will be performed at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and at 1-month follow-up.

Key Dates

First listed
May 8, 2026
Start date
Apr 1, 2026
Status verified
Jul 2026
Primary completion
Aug 31, 2026
Completion
Aug 31, 2026

Study Design

Enrollment
44 participants (estimated)
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT

Arms

  • Experimental: Aquatic Exercise Plus Home Exercise Group
    Participants in this group will receive an aquatic exercise program in addition to a standardized home exercise program. The aquatic exercise program will be conducted under supervision and will include exercises aimed at improving muscle strength, balance, and physical performance. The home exercise program will be prescribed to be performed regularly throughout the study period.
  • Active Comparator: Home Exercise Only Group
    Participants in this group will receive only a standardized home exercise program. The program will include exercises targeting muscle strength and physical function and will be performed regularly throughout the study period.

Primary Outcome Measure

Five Times Sit to Stand Test [ Time Frame: Baseline, immediately after the 6-week intervention, and 1 month post-treatment follow-up ]

Central Contacts

Related Studies