Effects of strength versus power/agility-focused training programs on cardiorespiratory fitness, physical performance, body composition, and health-related quality of life in older adults: the Physical Fitness in the Golden Age program in El Paso, USA
| ISRCTN | ISRCTN19484229 |
|---|---|
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN19484229 |
| Sponsor | The University of Texas at El Paso |
| Funder | National Strength and Conditioning Association |
- Submission date
- 14/02/2026
- Registration date
- 16/02/2026
- Last edited
- 16/02/2026
- Recruitment status
- No longer recruiting
- Overall study status
- Completed
- Condition category
- Other
Plain English summary of protocol
Background and study aims
This study looked at how two types of exercise programs affect fitness, body composition, and quality of life in older adults. One program focused on strength training, while the other focused on power and agility. The researchers wanted to see whether these programs could improve fitness, reduce signs of muscle loss, and help people feel better in their daily lives.
Who can participate?
The study included adults aged 60 years and above who were living in the community and not regularly active. People needed approval from a health care provider to take part. Those with long-term conditions such as diabetes, asthma, or osteoarthritis could join if their doctor agreed. People who were already very active or who lived outside the El Paso area were not included.
What does the study involve?
Participants took part in a 16‑week exercise program. They were placed in either a strength training group or a power and agility group. Both groups also did cardiovascular, balance, and flexibility exercises. Fitness, muscle strength, walking ability, and body composition were measured at the start of the study and again after the 16 weeks.
What are the possible benefits and risks of participating?
Taking part could help improve strength, balance, mobility, and overall fitness. It could also improve quality of life and reduce the impact of age‑related muscle loss. The risks were similar to those of normal exercise, such as muscle soreness or minor injuries. Participants were screened by a health professional to help reduce these risks.
Where is the study run from?
The study took place in El Paso, Texas. Exercise sessions were held at the University of Texas at El Paso’s Fitness Research Facility and at a local Recreation Centre operated by the El Paso Parks and Recreation Department.
When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for?
Participants were enrolled between July 4 and July 29, 2016. The exercise program ran for 16 weeks, with final assessments completed in December 2016.
Who is funding the study?
The study was funded by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (USA)
Who is the main contact?
The main scientific contact is Professor Alan Hayes (alan.hayes@vu.edu.au), Victoria University, Australia. The principal investigator is Professor Sandor Dorgo (sandor.dorgo@utsa.edu) at The University of Texas at San Antonio.
Contact information
Scientific, Public
Victoria University
70/104 Ballarat Rd
Footscray
3011
Australia
 ORCID ID |
0000-0003-1398-3694 |
|---|---|
| Phone | +61 401 692 118 |
| alan.hayes@vu.edu.au |
Principal investigator
The University of Texas at San Antonio
Main Building 2.306
San Antonio
78249
United States of America
| ORCID ID |
0000-0003-3241-1093 |
|---|---|
| Phone | 210-458-6023 |
| sandor.dorgo@utsa.edu |
Study information
| Primary study design | Interventional | |
|---|---|---|
| Allocation | Non-randomized controlled trial | |
| Masking | Open (masking not used) | |
| Control | Uncontrolled | |
| Assignment | Parallel | |
| Purpose | Basic science | |
| Scientific title | Effects of strength versus power/agility-focused training programs on cardiorespiratory fitness, physical performance, body composition, and health-related quality of life in older adults: the Physical Fitness in the Golden Age program in El Paso, USA | |
| Study objectives | The primary aim of this study was to assess the effects of strength (ST) versus power/agility training (PT) programs on fitness, body composition, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) measures in community-dwelling older adults, El Paso, TX, USA. Secondary aims were to explore prevalence of sarcopenia and whether improvements in sarcopenia components (lean mass, strength, and function) are associated with improvements in HRQoL, and whether ST or PT training specifically may elicit more improvements in sarcopenia components and HRQoL | |
| Ethics approval(s) |
Approved 26/02/2016, Institutional Review Board (The University of Texas at El Paso, 2101 Sun Bowl Drive, 500 W University Ave, El Paso, 79968-0587, United States of America; +1 915 747-8841; irb@utep.edu), ref: 718459-4 (Approved for previously collected data - original Ref No: 718459 - and new data as part of the Golden Age program)) | |
| Health condition(s) or problem(s) studied | Resistance training | |
| Intervention | The study was quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design (non-randomised control trial) comparing two different 16-week interventions (ST and PT), delivered at two different locations, within the Physical Fitness in the Golden Age program, El Paso, TX, USA. Both intervention sessions included cardiovascular exercises, balance drills, and flexibility training following American College of Sports Medicine ACSM guidelines. However, while ST subjects completed weight resistance training exercises targeting both upper- and lower-body muscle groups, PT subjects completed explosive movements for power and agility development. ST group exercise selection focused on large muscle group free-weight exercises, such as squats, lunges, step-ups, bench press, shoulder press, and dumbbell rows. PT group power exercises included hammer slams, medicine ball throws, hurdle hops, bodyweight plyometrics, and battle rope slams, while agility exercises included agility ladder drills, multi-directional cone agility drills, and reaction ball exercises. This study had two locations: • Fitness Research Facility, Department of Kinesiology at The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), TX, USA • Recreation Centre, El Paso Parks and Recreation Department, TX, USA Data was collected at baseline (Aug 2016) and following the 16-week intervention (Dec 2016). | |
| Intervention type | Behavioural | |
| Primary outcome measure(s) |
| |
| Key secondary outcome measure(s) | ||
| Completion date | 16/12/2016 |
Eligibility
| Participant type(s) | |
|---|---|
| Age group | Mixed |
| Lower age limit | 60 Years |
| Upper age limit | 100 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Target sample size at registration | 135 |
| Total final enrolment | 113 |
| Key inclusion criteria | 1. Healthy physically inactive and sedentary community-dwelling older adults (aged 60 years and above). 2. No regular participation in physical activity, defined as less than 20 minutes of vigorous physical activity three days a week (less than 60 total minutes per week). 3. A medical release form or a health care provider’s written approval indicating a level of physical health conducive to participation in the exercise program was required. 4. Individuals with existing chronic conditions or physical limitations, including diabetes, asthma, or osteoarthritis were also included in the study upon the approval of their health care provider. |
| Key exclusion criteria | Physically active community-dwelling older adults (over 60 min of vigorous exercise a week) outside of El Paso region. |
| Date of first enrolment | 04/07/2016 |
| Date of final enrolment | 29/07/2016 |
Locations
Countries of recruitment
- United States of America
Study participating centres
Results and Publications
| Individual participant data (IPD) Intention to share | No |
|---|---|
| IPD sharing plan summary | Not expected to be made available |
| IPD sharing plan |
Editorial Notes
16/02/2026: Trial's existence confirmed by the University of Texas at El Paso.
