Weighted Vest Exercise for Older Adults

This research is being conducted to better understand how weighted vests affect physical performance and muscle activation in older adults. As people age, muscle strength, balance, and mobility often decline, increasing the risk of falls and limiting independence. Weighted vests are a simple and cost-effective tool that may enhance physical performance by increasing the intensity of everyday movements. By studying the effects of weighted vests on tasks such as standing, walking, and climbing stairs, we aim to identify whether this tool can be incorporated into exercise or rehabilitation programs to improve physical function, reduce fall risk, and enhance quality of life for older adults. The findings from this research will contribute to a growing body of knowledge about exercise strategies and interventions designed to promote healthy aging.

If you decide to participate, you will be scheduled for a single visit to the UCF laboratory, which will last approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. During this visit, you will:

Complete a brief health and mobility assessment to confirm your eligibility.
Perform physical tasks such as standing from a chair, walking, and climbing stairs, both with and without a weighted vest. The order of the tasks and vest conditions will be randomized.
Wear surface electromyography (sEMG) sensors, which will be applied to your skin to measure muscle activity during the tasks. These sensors are non-invasive and will be secured using medical adhesive after cleaning your skin with rubbing alcohol.
Provide feedback on your perceived exertion after each task using a simple 0–10 scale.
You will be closely monitored throughout the session by trained research staff, who will ensure your safety and comfort. If at any time you feel unable to continue, you may withdraw from the study without any penalty.

Inclusion Qualifications:

Must be 60 years of age or older.
Based on a phone screening, must not have any health-related conditions, diseases, or injuries that would prevent safe participation.
Able to safely participate in a single-session research study involving physical tasks performed with and without a weighted vest.

Exclusion Qualifications:

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

Cardiovascular conditions: History of myocardial infarction, uncontrolled hypertension (≥160/100 mmHg), symptomatic coronary artery disease, or heart failure (New York Heart Association Class II-IV).
Pulmonary conditions: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), uncontrolled asthma, or other respiratory conditions that could limit physical exertion.
Neurological conditions: History of stroke, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, Huntington’s disease, or other neurological disorders that impair motor function or balance.
Endocrine conditions: Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus (HbA1c ≥8.0%) or thyroid dysfunction.
Musculoskeletal conditions: Severe arthritis, history of lower-limb fractures within the past year, recent orthopedic surgeries (within the previous 6 months), or other musculoskeletal impairments that could limit safe participation in physical tasks.
Currently seeking medical care for injuries or pain: Ongoing treatment for injuries or pain (e.g., physical therapy, chiropractic care, or other medical interventions) that may interfere with safe performance of the study protocols.
Cognitive impairment: Severe cognitive decline or inability to follow instructions, assessed by participant history or observation during screening.
Cancer: Current diagnosis of cancer
Medications: Use of medications that could significantly impact physiology or study outcomes, including corticosteroids, beta-blockers, anticoagulants, anabolic steroids, or medications that affect muscle function or metabolism.
Assistive devices: Reliance on assistive devices for walking or standing, such as canes, walkers, or braces.
Allergy to rubbing alcohol: Participants with a known allergy to rubbing alcohol (used to clean the skin prior to sEMG sensor application) will be excluded to prevent adverse reactions.
Other medical conditions: Any condition deemed by the research team to pose a risk to the participant, such as chronic pain syndromes, chronic fatigue, or systemic illnesses.
SARC-F score: A score of ≥4, indicating increased risk of sarcopenia-related impairments.
Unstable or acute health conditions: Any recent hospitalizations, acute illnesses, or infections that could compromise safety.
Surgeries: Any major surgeries within the previous 6 months, particularly those involving the lower extremities or that impact physical activity.

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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.

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