Clinical Research Directory

Effects of 20-week Mat-Pilates & Dual-Task Training on Strength, Balance, Cognition, and Fall Risk in Older Adults

Our aims are to evaluate the impact of 24-week combined Pilates and dual-task exercises on physical fitness, balance, cognitive function, bone density in older adults. Participants ≥ 65 years of both genders will be randomly allocated to a control (n= 55) or intervention group (n= 55). Twice a week, sessions will take place in the FADEUP- UPORTO, with moderate intensity Pilates exercise and dual-task exercises. Trunk strength and stability, balance, cognitive function, and physical fitness will be accessed before and after the intervention. The Pilates method is easy to apply, low cost and widely accepted by older adults and it can integrate dual-task exercises easily. The researcher expected the intervention to improve balance, physical and cognitive skills of the participants, which may reduce the number of falls. The investigators seek to contribute with relevant information and enlighten the Dual Task-Pilates program as a safe strategy to reduce falls and maintain elderly's autonomy.

Boxing Training, Physical-functional Fitness and Cognitive Performance in Older Adults

The aim of the study is to evaluate and to compare the effects of two exercise regimes (Boxing Training -BT and Multicomponent Training -MT) and 12 weeks of follow-up on cognitive health status, physical-functional fitness, and risk of falls in community-dwelling elders. This is a quasi-experimental controlled trial using a parallel-group design. Participants will be allocated to 3 groups (i.e. BT, MT or control group \[no intervention\]). Both exercise programs (BT and MT) will last 24 weeks, twice a week, 45 minutes per session. Participants of all groups will be assessed for Senior Fitness test, and body weight at 4 moments (baseline, 12 weeks and 24 weeks of exercise and a follow-up period lasting 12 weeks). Our hypotheses are: 1. In comparison with the control group, both exercise groups (BT and MT) will positively improve their physical-functional fitness, cognitive health status and risk of falls with the interventions 2. The observed effects on physical-functional fitness, cognitive health status, and risk of falls as a result of the exercise programs will be similar. 3. During the follow-up period, both exercise groups will experiment reductions on physical-functional fitness, cognitive health status, and risk of falls.

Xbox Kinect Sports Versus Nintendo Switch Sports

The aim of this study will be to compare the effects of Xbox Kinect Sports (XKS) with respect to Nintendo Switch Sports (NSS) and the inactive control group (CG) on body composition (percent body fat and fat-free mass) and physical performance (hand grip strength, HGS; 30 seconds standing in a chair, timed get up and walk, TUG; sit and reach and 2-minute step test) in physically inactive older women. This study will be randomized controlled trial with three parallel groups: XKS (n= 13), NSS (n= 14) and CG (n= 16).