RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

High-intensity Interval Training Combined with Muscle-strength Training in Older Women

Many women live longer than men but often lose muscle mass faster, which can make them weaker and less able to do everyday tasks. Most women, especially older women, don't get enough exercise. This study is testing a new way of exercising called High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) combined with muscle strength training. HIIT involves short bursts of intense activity and is time-efficient. We believe combining it with strength training could give even better results for older women. The study will check if this combined approach is practical and if it improves overall fitness, muscle strength, heart and lung fitness, and quality of life more than doing HIIT alone. It aims to help women over 60 stay healthier and more active.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Nottingham

Enrolment target

Start

01 Feb 2025

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2026

Older Adult

What is this study about?

As women get older, they often face a challenge: while they generally live longer than men, they tend to lose muscle mass more quickly. This can lead to feeling weaker, struggling with daily activities, and generally being less active. Unfortunately, many women in England, especially those over 60, don't get enough physical activity. This is particularly true for muscle-strengthening exercises, which are really important for keeping bones and muscles strong.

The good news is that new ways of exercising are being explored. One popular method is called High-Intensity Interval Training, or HIIT. This involves short, sharp bursts of exercise followed by brief rest periods. Many people find HIIT appealing because it's efficient – you can get a great workout in less time than traditional exercise. It's also been shown to be effective for older women, helping them improve their fitness levels. Because HIIT saves time, it could be combined with muscle-strengthening exercises without making the overall workout much longer.

This study wants to find out if this combined approach – doing HIIT alongside muscle-strengthening exercises – is a good fit for older women. We'll be looking at whether it's something women can realistically stick with. We also want to understand if this combined workout plan can make a bigger difference to overall fitness, muscle strength, how well the heart and lungs work, and general quality of life, compared to just doing HIIT on its own. The aim is to help older women find enjoyable, effective ways to stay strong and healthy.

Key takeaways

This study explores combining intense interval training with strength exercises for women over 60.
It aims to find out if this combined approach is practical and more effective than intense training alone.
The goal is to improve overall fitness, muscle strength, heart health, and quality of life.
Participants will attend exercise sessions and undergo fitness assessments at the University of Nottingham.
It seeks to help older women find better ways to maintain their strength and activity levels.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for women who were born female and are at least 60 years old. You should not smoke, including e-cigarettes. To join, you also shouldn't be regularly doing tough aerobic exercise for more than 75 minutes a week, or regular muscle-strengthening workouts twice a week or more.

You'll need to be able to complete a specific heart and lung fitness test that involves exercising until you're tired. You must also be able to come to the University of Nottingham for exercise sessions and measurements at the start and end of the study. Finally, you need to understand and agree to take part in the study.

However, there are reasons you might not be able to join. For example, if you have certain health conditions like heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, or uncontrolled high blood pressure. You also can't participate if you have certain brain or mental health conditions, or if you can't safely do the heart and lung fitness test. If you've been in another research study that involved invasive procedures or a payment for inconvenience in the last three months, you won't be eligible for this one.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you a woman who was born female?
Are you 60 years old or older?
Do you not smoke (including e-cigarettes)?
Are you generally not doing a lot of intense exercise or regular strength training already?
Are you able to travel to the University of Nottingham for sessions?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you will be asked to attend exercise sessions at the University of Nottingham. You will also have some assessments done at the beginning and end of the study to measure your fitness, muscle strength, and quality of life. One key assessment is a heart and lung fitness test, where you'll exercise until you're tired. The study will last for a specific period, during which you'll follow the exercise programme. You won't be given any medication as part of this study, as it focuses on exercise interventions. The total duration of your involvement, including all visits and follow-ups, will be clearly explained by the research team.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study could offer several potential benefits, such as improved overall fitness, stronger muscles, and better heart and lung health, which may enhance your quality of life. It also provides an opportunity to contribute to scientific knowledge that could help many other women. As with any exercise programme, there are potential risks, such as muscle soreness, strains, or, in rare cases, more serious issues, especially during the intense fitness tests. The research team will take all precautions to ensure your safety and monitor you closely. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

David Greenfield Humnn Physiology Unit (DGHPU), University of Nottingham
Verified postcode
Nottingham, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)?

HIIT is a type of exercise where you do short bursts of very energetic activity followed by brief periods of rest or lower-intensity exercise. It's known for being effective in a short amount of time.

Why focus on older women?

Older women often lose muscle faster than men and many don't get enough exercise. This study aims to find practical ways to help them stay strong and healthy as they age.

Will I have to exercise every day?

The study will involve specific exercise sessions at the University of Nottingham. The exact schedule will be explained by the research team.

Is the exercise safe for me?

Before you start, you'll undergo health checks to make sure the exercise is safe for you. The team will supervise all sessions closely. Your safety is their priority.

Will I get paid to join?

The study information will explain if there is any reimbursement for travel expenses or inconvenience.

How to find out more

Tasuku Terada, PhD

tasuku.terada@nottingham.ac.uk 441158230141 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.