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SarcopeniaNCT05750888

Foot Core Exercise Program on Balance Control and Walking in Aged Sarcopenia

A study testing integrated exercise therapy with 3D printing exerciser for training intrinsic foot muscles and regular exercises for the elderly in people with Sarcopenia and Muscle Weakness, run by Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital at 1 site in Taiwan.

Unknown status

Status not confirmed. The sponsor has not verified this record for over two years, so it may be out of date.

Official record
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Trial summary

In modern society with an increasing aging population, recent literature has defined sarcopenia as a significant reduced mass and function of skeletal muscle with physical limitations due to aging. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 65 to 95 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
Conditions the study is for
Sarcopenia, Muscle Weakness, Walking, Difficulty
What is being tested?
integrated exercise therapy with 3D printing exerciser for training intrinsic foot muscles and regular exercises for the elderly
Could I receive a placebo?
Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
How many people
60 participants
Where
1 siteTaiwan
Study dates
30 Aug 2022to 31 Jul 2023
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 65 to 95 years
  • All sexes
  • Healthy volunteers accepted
  • Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • the elderly with sarcopenia [1, 2] Age is more than 65 years with a medical diagnosis of sarcopenia Be able to independently stand and walk To meet the criteria of the definition of sarcopenia in the AWGS 2019 consensus update on sarcopenia diagnosis and treatment Be able to understand independently the participation consent in this research project
  • Healthy elder individuals A neutral foot alignment: determined by measurement of the resting calcaneal stance position (RCSP: between 2˚of inversion and 2˚of eversion) and scores on the navicular drop (ND: between 5 and 9 mm) test.
  • Foot Posture Index (FPI) Score is between 0 and 5. No pain in the lower limbs No history of lower limb injury that has affected function or caused the individual to seek previous medical or therapeutic intervention within 6 months

Who cannot join

  • All groups not be able to sign the consent form for the participation Traumatic injury to lower limbs which impacted joint integrity and function (i.e., fractures) resulting in at least 1 interrupted day of desired physical activity Major neurological, cardiorespiratory, or circulatory disorders contribute to not being able to independently stand and walk.
  • Recent intervention/management within the last 6 months

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

Taiwan1 site, 1 recruiting
  • BuddhistTCGH

    Hualien City, 97004

    Chich-Haung Yang, PhD, +886-3-8565301 ext. 2496, r.chyang@gms.tcu.edu.tw

    Recruiting

Other trials in Taiwan

About this study

Official title: Effects of Integrated Foot Core Strengthening With Exerciser Device on Balance Control and Walking in the Elderly With and Without Sarcopenia

In modern society with an increasing aging population, recent literature has defined sarcopenia as a significant reduced mass and function of skeletal muscle with physical limitations due to aging. Clinically and experimentally, the foot often plays a crucial role in sensorimotor control and movement performance in standing, walking, and running. Apparently, previous literature has shown that the intrinsic and extrinsic foot muscles have significantly reduced muscle morphology and muscle strength in the elderly compared to that of young healthy controls. How to effectively increase foot muscles using muscle-strengthening exercises will be a crucial issue for further research and clinical intervention in this population.

The intrinsic foot muscles (IFM) are the primary local stabilizer to provide static and dynamic stability in the foot, which are part of the active and neural subsystems to constitute the foot core system. The intrinsic foot muscles (IFMs) may play a key role in supporting foot arches (e.g., the medial longitudinal arch, MLA), providing flexibility, stability, shock absorption to the foot, and partially controlling foot pronation. Due to the difficulties in teaching and learning the plantar intrinsic foot muscle (IFM) exercise, the accuracy and follow-up after learning this exercise could be questioned following this exercise program. Physiologically, the effects of integrated exercise intervention may be achieved following more than 4-week intensive exercise intervention at least. How to learn and activate this kind of exercise efficiently and effectively is a key issue for employing these exercise interventions in the elderly with and without sarcopenia.

In this project, we will aim to employ the novel intrinsic foot muscle strengthening device using 3-D printing techniques and to examine the feasibility and reliability of the morphology in intrinsic and extrinsic foot muscles and foot posture before and after exercise intervention using sonographic imaging and foot posture index in the elderly with and without sarcopenia; second, we will investigate whether the immediate and persistent increase in balance control and level-walking after this therapeutic exercise with novel 3-D printing foot core exerciser.

Read the detailed description

In modern society with an increasing aging population, Asian Working Groups for Sarcopenia (AWSG) has defined sarcopenia as a significantly reduced mass and function of skeletal muscle with physical limitations due to aging. The prevalence in the globe has reported 5% - 25.7% of the elderly population and its associations are very high between daily activity limitations, physical limitations, and premature death. Clinically and experimentally, the foot often plays a crucial role in sensorimotor control and movement performance in standing, walking, and running. Apparently, previous literature has shown that the intrinsic and extrinsic foot muscles have significantly reduced muscle morphology and muscle strength in the elderly compared to that of young healthy controls. How to effectively increase foot muscles using muscle-strengthening exercises will be a crucial issue for further research and clinical intervention in this population.

Anatomically, the intrinsic foot muscles (IFM) are the primary local stabilizer to provide static and dynamic stability in the foot, which are part of the active and neural subsystems to constitute the foot core system. The intrinsic foot muscles (IFMs) may play a key role in supporting foot arches (e.g. the medial longitudinal arch, MLA), providing flexibility, stability, shock absorption to the foot, and partially controlling foot pronation. Due to the difficulties in teaching and learning the plantar intrinsic foot muscle (IFM) exercise, the accuracy and follow-up after learning this exercise could be questioned following this exercise program; Physiologically, the effects of integrated exercise intervention may be achieved following more than 4-week intensive exercise intervention at least. How to learn and activate this kind of exercise efficiently and effectively is a key issue for employing these exercise interventions in the elderly with and without sarcopenia.

This project consists of two main parts - first, we will aim to employ the novel intrinsic foot muscle strengthening device using 3-D printing techniques and to examine the feasibility and reliability of the morphology in intrinsic and extrinsic foot muscles and foot posture before and after exercise intervention using sonographic imaging and foot posture index in the elderly with and without sarcopenia; second, we will investigate whether the immediate and persistent increase in balance control and level-walking after this therapeutic exercise with novel 3-D printing foot core exerciser. More importantly, we elucidate important clinical evidence-based information of long-term novel therapeutic exercise intervention for clinicians and health policymakers.

Being tested
integrated exercise therapy with 3D printing exerciser for training intrinsic foot muscles, regular exercises for the elderly
Keywords
Foot core system, Intrinsic foot muscle, Balance control, 3D printing, Gait
Medical subject headings
Sarcopenia, Muscle Weakness, Mobility Limitation

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • integrated exercise therapy with 3D printing exerciser for training intrinsic foot musclesBehavioural

    Also called novel foot core exercise program

    The therapeutic exercise program with a custom-made 3-D printing foot core exerciser, consisting of warm-up exercise, active range of motion in the foot and ankle joints, foot core system strengthening program using the 3D printing device, and stretching exercises for foot and ankle.

  • regular exercises for the elderlyBehavioural

    Also called regular exercises

    The regular exercise provided for the elderly in the dwelling community, including walking, simple aerobic exercises, stretching exercises

Study groups in NCT05750888
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Experimental group 1ExperimentalA novel-designed intrinsic foot muscle-strengthening exerciser using 3D printing techniques will be used in the experimental group.
Receives: Behavioral: integrated exercise therapy with 3D printing exerciser for training intrinsic foot muscles
Experimental group 2Sham comparatorA regular exercise program will be provided in this group.
Receives: Behavioral: regular exercises for the elderly
Control groupNo interventionThere is no exercise or other intervention in this group.

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Sonographic imaging for cross-sectional area of muscles

    The diagnostic ultrasound will be employed to detect the cross-sectional area (CSA) in specific foot intrinsic and extrinsic muscles, such as extrinsic muscle (Flexor digitorum longus FDL, Flexor Hallucis Longus FHL, and Peroneal longus PL) and intrinsic muscle ( Abductor Hallucis AbdH, Flexor Digitorum Brevis FDB and Flexor Hallucis Brevis FHB) CSA. The unit is cm2

    Measured: changes among baseline, 4, 8 and 12 weeks

  2. Sonographic imaging for the width and thickness of muscles

    The diagnostic ultrasound will be employed to detect the width and thickness of specific foot intrinsic and extrinsic muscles, such as extrinsic muscles (FDL, FHL, and PER) and intrinsic muscle (AbdH, FDB, and FHB)width and thickness, and plantar fascia thickness (at the heel, mid and forefoot sites). The unit is cm (the width and length)

    Measured: changes among baseline, 4, 8 and 12 weeks

  3. Balance test for standing posture for area of sway trajectory in center of pressure (CoP) and center of mass (CoM)

    A complete lower limb model will be established through commercial motion analysis software. Motion Analysis System with 12 optoelectronic cameras and two high-speed video cameras with two force plates will be used for further analysis in standing and level walking. Static postural control will be assessed in a quiet standing task on the two force plates to measure the variables of the center of pressure (CoP) and center of mass (CoM) at eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions. The unit is mm.

    Measured: changes among baseline, 4, 8 and 12 weeks

  4. Balance test for standing posture for the velocity of sway trajectory in center of pressure (CoP) and center of mass (CoM)

    A complete lower limb model will be established through commercial motion analysis software. Motion Analysis System with 12 optoelectronic cameras and two high-speed video cameras with two force plates will be used for further analysis in standing and level walking. Static postural control will be assessed in a quiet standing task on the two force plates to measure the variables of the center of pressure (CoP) and center of mass (CoM) at eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions. The unit is mm/sec.

    Measured: changes among baseline, 4, 8 and 12 weeks

  5. Balance test for standing posture for the length of sway trajectory in center of pressure (CoP)

    A complete lower limb model will be established through commercial motion analysis software. Motion Analysis System with 12 optoelectronic cameras and two high-speed video cameras with two force plates will be used for further analysis in standing and level walking. Static postural control will be assessed in a quiet standing task on the two force plates to measure the variables of the center of pressure (CoP) and center of mass (CoM) at eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions. The unit is mm.

    Measured: changes among baseline, 4, 8 and 12 weeks

  6. Functional walking test for spatio-temporal parameters

    Spatio-temporal parameters will be calculated during level walking. The subject will be asked to walk at slow, self-paced, and fast walking using a metronome. The unit is m/sec.

    Measured: changes among baseline, 4, 8 and 12 weeks

  7. Functional walking test for joint kinematics in the lower limb

    Joint kinematic data will be calculated during level walking. The subject will be asked to walk at slow, self-paced, and fast walking using a metronome. The unit is degree.

    Measured: changes among baseline, 4, 8 and 12 weeks

  8. Functional walking test for joint kinetics in the lower limb

    Joint kinetic data will be calculated during level walking. The subject will be asked to walk at slow, self-paced, and fast walking using a metronome. The unit is Nm.

    Measured: changes among baseline, 4, 8 and 12 weeks

  9. Clinical Questionnaires for assessment in physical capacity in the elderly

    Short Physical Performance Battery (0-12) questionnaires will be employed in this study. The unit is a unit on a scale.

    Measured: changes among baseline, 4, 8 and 12 weeks

  10. Clinical Questionnaires for assessment in functional capacity and falling condition in the elderly

    Strength, Assisting with walking, Rising from a chair, Climbing stairs, and Falling questionnaire (0-10) will be employed in this study. The unit is a unit on a scale.

    Measured: changes among baseline, 4, 8 and 12 weeks

  11. Clinical Questionnaires for assessment in functional capacity and strength condition in the elderly

    Strength, Assisting with walking, Rising from a chair, Climbing stairs, and Calf circumference (0-20). The unit is a unit on a scale.

    Measured: changes among baseline, 4, 8 and 12 weeks

Secondary outcomes (4)
  1. Clinical Questionnaires for assessment in cognitive capacity in the elderly

    Mini-Mental State Examination (0-30) questionnaires will be employed in this study. The unit is a unit on a scale.

    Measured: changes among baseline, 4, 8 and 12 weeks

  2. Clinical Questionnaires for assessment in nutritional status in the elderly

    Mini Nutritional Assessment - Short Form (0-11) will be employed in this study. The unit is a unit on a scale.

    Measured: changes among baseline, 4, 8 and 12 weeks

  3. Clinical Questionnaires for assessment in frail status in the elderly

    Frail Index (0.0-1.0) will be employed in this study. The unit is a unit on a scale.

    Measured: changes among baseline, 4, 8 and 12 weeks

  4. Clinical Questionnaires for assessment in frailty condition the elderly

    A clinical Frailty Scale (1-9) will be employed in this study. The unit is a unit on a scale.

    Measured: changes among baseline, 4, 8 and 12 weeks

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted2 Mar 2023
  2. Study start30 Aug 2022
  3. Primary completion31 Jul 2023 (estimated)
  4. Study completion31 Jul 2023 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Supportive care
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Masking
Quadruple blind
Who is masked
Participant, Care provider, Investigator, Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
60 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT05750888
Sponsor's protocol ID
P00001837
Status last verified
Nov 2022
First submitted
21 Nov 2022
Last updated
2 Mar 2023
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
Yes
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No

Publications

  • Chen LK, Woo J, Assantachai P, Auyeung TW, Chou MY, Iijima K, Jang HC, Kang L, Kim M, Kim S, Kojima T, Kuzuya M, Lee JSW, Lee SY, Lee WJ, Lee Y, Liang CK, Lim JY, Lim WS, Peng LN, Sugimoto K, Tanaka T, Won CW, Yamada M, Zhang T, Akishita M, Arai H. Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia: 2019 Consensus Update on Sarcopenia Diagnosis and Treatment. J Am Med Dir Assoc. 2020 Mar;21(3):300-307.e2. doi: 10.1016/j.jamda.2019.12.012. Epub 2020 Feb 4.

    PubMed 32033882
  • Dufour AB, Hannan MT, Murabito JM, Kiel DP, McLean RR. Sarcopenia definitions considering body size and fat mass are associated with mobility limitations: the Framingham Study. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2013 Feb;68(2):168-74. doi: 10.1093/gerona/gls109. Epub 2012 Apr 13.

    PubMed 22503991
  • Kao SL, Hsiao ML, Wang JH, Chen CS, Chen SY, Shiau YJ, Yang CH. Effects of integrated intrinsic foot muscle exercise with foot core training device on balance and body composition among community-dwelling adults aged 60 and above. BMC Geriatr. 2024 May 7;24(1):403. doi: 10.1186/s12877-024-04945-y.

    PubMed 38714957

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing integrated exercise therapy with 3D printing exerciser for training intrinsic foot muscles and regular exercises for the elderly in people with Sarcopenia and Muscle Weakness, run by Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital at 1 site in Taiwan.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 2 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: status not confirmed, as of the sponsor's last update on 2 Mar 2023. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Taiwan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

Results are not available in the source record.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

Contact Chich-Haung R Yang, PhD (+886-3-856-5301 ext. 2496, r.chyang@gms.tcu.edu.tw), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Sonographic imaging for cross-sectional area of muscles (time frame: changes among baseline, 4, 8 and 12 weeks). The study lists 11 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT05750888, which also lists 3 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 2 Mar 2023.

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