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Mental Effort During Low Load Resistance Training in Older Adults
The Effect of Maximal Mental Effort During Resistance Training on Physical Function and Motor Unit Behavior in Older Adults
Who can join
Ages 65 to 85 · All sexes · Healthy volunteers welcome
Full eligibility criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Body mass index between 18.5 - 33 kg·m2 * No structured physical activity in past 2 years * Any unstable condition contradicting exercise * Independently walk with or without assistive device * No significant cognitive impairment Exclusion Criteria: * Score of 22 or lower on Montreal Cognitive Assessment * Missing more than 3 training sessions (training groups only) * Pacemaker * Unstable angina * Symptomatic heart failure * Uncontrolled arrythmias * Uncontrolled hypertension (greater or equal to 160/90) * Myocardial infarction in the past 6 months * Uncontrolled type 2 diabetes * Type 1 diabetes * Severe or unstable pulmonary conditions, * Currently on supplemental oxygen therapy * Severe hearing loss or visual impairment * Alzheimer's Disease or significant cognitive impairment * Stroke in the past 6 months or ongoing stroke-induced motor impairment * Any neurological (e.g., Parkinson's) condition affecting motor control * Undergoing chemotherapy * Surgery in past 6 months * Musculoskeletal injury in the past 6 months * Terminal illness * Stage 3 or greater chronic kidney disease
About the study
The goal of this clinical trial is to determine the effect of maximal mental effort combined with low-intensity resistance training on strength and neuromuscular function in older adults. The main questions it aims to answer are:
* Does low-intensity resistance training in combination with maximal mental effort increase strength more than low intensity resistance training alone? * Does low-intensity resistance training in combination with maximal mental effort improve neuromuscular function more than low intensity resistance training alone?
Participants will be randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups:
* Low intensity resistance training * Low intensity resistance training with maximal mental effort * Control Researchers will compare groups to determine differences in changes in strength, neuromuscular function, and body composition.
What is being tested
- Low Intensity Resistance Training with Maximal Mental Effort (behavioral)
- Low Intensity Resistance Training (behavioral)
Sponsor: Kennesaw State University · Participants: 75 · Started: Jun 6, 2026
Contact the study team
- Garrett Hester Professor of Exercise Science · Phone: 470-578-4267
Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT07687316
Locations in the U.S.
| Georgia | Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw |
Conditions
From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Sep 30, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.