CHPS RESEARCH STUDIES

The Effects of Strength Training Volume on Muscle Quality Among Older Adults

This research is being performed to compare the effects of moderate versus high-volume strength training on different measures of muscle size, strength, and quality. A moderate strength training volume would have you performing 2 sets per exercise at 3-7 repetitions per set, while a high-volume strength training program would have you performing 6 sets per exercise at 3-7 repetitions per set. We want to determine which strength training volume provides the greatest increases in different measures of muscle size, strength, and quality among older adults.

We expect that you will be in this research study for ≤8 weeks. Participation in this study will require you to visit the UCF main campus for testing and/or strength training 16 times. The study will be conducted in the UCF Cognition, Neuroplasticity, and Sarcopenia Laboratory (Education Complex and Gym, room 174A). During the 8 weeks of this study, you will be required to complete questionnaires, attend pretesting and post testing visits which includes body composition, muscle strength, size and function assessments, and strength training visits. Each visit will last about 1.5-2.5 hours, you will be asked to be well hydrated, and some of them may require you to fast. Once you are enrolled in the study, you will be assigned to one of two groups: moderate strength training volume (12 sets per week) or high-volume strength training volume (36 sets per week). Once you begin the strength training portion of the study, you will be required to consume a protein supplement each day, which will be provided to you.

If you agree to participate in this study, you will be asked to visit the UCF Cognition, Neuroplasticity, and Sarcopenia Laboratory for 16 visits over about 8 weeks. It is requested that you wear comfortable, athletic clothing and tennis shoes to each visit. As researchers will take ultrasound images of your leg muscles, athletic shorts would be helpful. If you do not wear shorts, you will be asked to change into a clean pair of shorts provided by the research team. Athletic shorts provided by us will be washed in a washing-machine before and after you wear them.

Researchers will ask you to avoid intense lower-body exercise such as heavy strength training 48 hours before every visit to UCF. For visits 1-3 and the final visit, you will be asked to avoid alcohol consumption for at least 24 hours prior to study participation. If you are unable to follow these specific guidelines, it is kindly required that you reschedule your testing visit or withdraw entirely.

Inclusion Qualifications:

Are or above the age of 60 years,
Have a BMI between ≥18.5 kg/m2 and ≤35.0 kg/m2 ,
Able to consume whey protein every day
Willing to not consume alcoholic beverages at certain times during the study
Do not have any deteriorating health-related conditions, diseases, or previous injuries that may prevent you from engaging in a lower-body strength training program

Exclusion Qualifications:

You may not participate in this research opportunity if any of the following applies to you:

Lower-body strength training within the past 6 months
Participate in regular lower body resistance training within the past 6 months
Lower-body surgery within the past year
Use of assistive walking device (cane, walker) within the past year
The inappropriateness of engaging in physical activity as determined by the PAR-Q+
Degenerative diseases (Parkinson’s disease, ALS, Huntington’s disease, MS, etc.)
Trouble using or controlling your muscles
Lack of reliable transportation to and from the laboratory
Active infections that require isolation or treatments (e.g. Tuberculosis)
Uncontrolled epilepsy or seizures
Uncontrolled hypertension (high blood pressure)
Uncontrolled diabetes with the risk of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia (low or high blood sugar levels)
Myocardial infarction (heart attack) in the last 6 months

Participate in this Research

Submitting this form will put you in contact with the main point of contact for this project. They will provide more information and determine if you meet all of the qualifications needed.

"*" indicates required fields

This field is hidden when viewing the form

Title of Opportunity

This field is hidden when viewing the form

Tag

This field is hidden when viewing the form

Contact Person's Email

First Name*

Last Name*

Phone*

Email*

Sex*

CAPTCHA

Notify me of future research participation opportunities

* Please note that completion of this form does not automatically enroll you or guarantee you a spot in this research opportunity. The information provided in this form will never be shared with 3rd parties. You can also unsubscribe from future notifications at any time.