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OsteopeniaNCT06888544

Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training on Bone Health in Hong Kong Older Women

A study testing HIIT program for 24 weeks with a frequency of 2 times per week. in people with Osteopenia, run by Hong Kong Baptist University at 1 site in China.

Recruiting

Looking for participants now. Contact the study team or a site below to ask about taking part.

Sites and contacts
Official record
Search all trials

Trial summary

Osteoporosis is an age-related disease, characterized by a decreased bone mass and an increased risk of fragility fractures. Osteoporosis leads to increasing mortality, disabilities, morbidity of chronic pain, and the cost of health and social care, as well as decreasing the quality of life from reduced independence… Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 60 to 74 years, women onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
Conditions the study is for
Osteopenia
What is being tested?
HIIT program for 24 weeks with a frequency of 2 times per week.
Could I receive a placebo?
Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
How many people
48 participants
Where
1 siteChina
Study dates
16 Oct 2024to 15 Oct 2026
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

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 60 to 74 years
  • Women only
  • Healthy volunteers accepted
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • • 60 to 74 years at the start date of the project
  • diagnosed with osteopenia by DXA scan screening with a BMD at the femoral neck or total hip or lumbar spine between -1 and -2.5 SD T-score below the average values
  • Passing the PAR-Q plus screening or with the physician's approval for readiness to participate in high-intensity exercise
  • Above the average level of 2-mins stepping showing competent aerobic fitness
  • No restriction on physical mobility
  • No cognitive impairment, as determined by the Chinese version of the Mini-Mental Status Examination (i.e., score < 24)
  • No previous substantial experiences in practicing HIIT. The written informed consent form will be collected from each participant

Who cannot join

  • • Severe chronic disease restricting high-intensity exercise
  • Having cognition impairment regarded by specialists
  • checked through medical records at HA Go app platform in the past 6 months, have concurrent medical conditions (e.g., thyrotoxicosis or hyperparathyroidism, Paget's disease, renal disease, diabetes, knee or hip osteoarthritis) and use medications (e.g., corticosteroids, estrogen, thyroxine, thiazide diuretics, or antiretroviral agents) known to affect bone metabolism during past 2 years
  • any condition with osteoporosis, osteoporotic fractures
  • current smoker
  • alcohol 3 or more units per day.

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Yanping Duan contact

34115638

duanyp@hkbu.edu.hk

China1 site, 1 recruiting
  • Bliss District Elderly Community Centre

    China, Hong Kong, 999077

    Nathan, 852+66879851, boplus@hkcs.org

    Recruiting

Other trials in China

About this study

Official title: Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training on Bone Health, Physical Fitness and Quality of Life in Elderly Women With Osteopenia: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Osteoporosis is an age-related disease, characterized by a decreased bone mass and an increased risk of fragility fractures. Osteoporosis leads to increasing mortality, disabilities, morbidity of chronic pain, and the cost of health and social care, as well as decreasing the quality of life from reduced independence and hindered physical, mental, and social well-being.

A recent review and meta-analysis, investigating the association between physical activity and osteoporosis prevention in elderly people, indicated that the traditional exercise interventions (i.e., resistance training) were undertaken for 60+ mins, 2-3 times/week for 7+ months. However, participation rates remain low in these exercise programs among older adults, in part due to a need for specialized equipment and correct techniques to prevent injury. In addition, low motivation and associated compliance with such conventional exercise is problematic among older adults.

Considering there is little evidence of HIIT benefits related to older women with osteopenia, the current study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a 24-week HIIT intervention on bone mineral density, bone turnover markers and other health-related outcomes among Hong Kong Chinese older women.

Read the detailed description

The study will be a randomized controlled trial (RCT) with two groups and three times repeated measures. Data will be collected in a pretest, post-test, and six months after the intervention. The eligible participants will be randomly distributed into one of two groups in a ratio of 1:1. The participants recruited and meeting the screening criteria will receive a 24-week HIIT intervention or recreation workshop. The intervention effects will be evaluated on bone mineral density, bone turnover markers, physical fitness, fear of falling, and quality of life.

Conditions
Osteopenia
Being tested
HIIT program for 24 weeks with a frequency of 2 times per week., Non-exercise control
Keywords
Osteopenia, Older women, High-intensity interval training
Medical subject headings
Bone Diseases, Metabolic

What participants receive

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

  • HIIT program for 24 weeks with a frequency of 2 times per week.Behavioural

    Participants will receive a 24-week HIIT program, with 2 sessions per week. Each session will comprise three sections, including warm-up, main exercise and cool down. The time will be between 37 to 40 minutes with progression of training. Each HIIT section will include six high-impact weight-bearing exercise. For Weeks 1-4, the HIIT section will include 12 intervals of 30 seconds HIIT workout at corresponding intensity, separated by 11 intervals of 60 seconds of active recovery. To ensure the subjects' safety, a chair will be used for assistance during training in the first month. Additionally, a 3 kg weight will be incorporated for the training in the final two months.

  • Non-exercise controlBehavioural

    Workshop participants in the non-exercise control group will receive a series of workshops related to daily recreation.

Study groups in NCT06888544
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
High-intensity interval training (HIIT)ExperimentalHIIT program for 24 weeks with a frequency of 2 times per week.
Receives: Behavioral: HIIT program for 24 weeks with a frequency of 2 times per week.
Non-exercise controlPlacebo comparatorParticipants will not receive any exercise training but will attend 48 recreation workshops.
Receives: Behavioral: Non-exercise control

What is being measured

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

  1. Bone mineral density

    Bone mineral density at the non-dominant lumbar spine and femoral neck of hip will be measured by one registered technician using DXA (XR-46, Norland, Wisconsin, USA) at an assessment center in the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

    Measured: Outcome evaluations will be performed three times at pre-intervention (T1 baseline), after 24-weeks intervention (T2 post-test), and 6 months after intervention completion (T3 follow-up test).

  2. Bone turnover markers

    The two bone turnover markers, P1NP (ng/ml) and CTX (ng/L) will be used to assess the subjects' bone formation and bone resorption. Participants must arrive at the elderly center between 08:30 and 09:30 a.m. after a 12-hour overnight fast and avoid intense physical activity the night before. A qualified nurse will collect 5 mL of venous blood from the antecubital vein, which will coagulate at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before being transported to the lab within one hour. The blood will then be centrifuged at 4 °C and 3000 rpm for 50 minutes, with the resulting sample stored at -80 °C for serum biochemical marker assays. Serum P1NP and CTX levels will be measured using ELISA kits from Immunodiagnostic Systems Inc., and analysis will be conducted by the Hong Kong Polytechnic University test lab.

    Measured: Outcome evaluations will be performed three times at pre-intervention (T1 baseline), after 24-weeks intervention (T2 post-test), and 6 months after intervention completion (T3 follow-up test).

Secondary outcomes (9)
  1. Physical fitness_Body mass index

    BMI (kg/m²) was calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by the square of height in meters. Body weight was measured using a mobile scale that was accurate to 0.01 kg and calibrated before use. Participants were instructed to remain still until the digital display stabilized, at which point their weights were recorded. Height was measured using a mobile stadiometer accurate to 0.1 cm, and participants were asked to stand straight with their knees together during the measurement.

    Measured: Outcome evaluations will be performed three times at pre-intervention (T1 baseline), after 24-weeks intervention (T2 post-test), and 6 months after intervention completion (T3 follow-up test).

  2. Physical fitness_Lower limb muscle strength

    30-Second Chair Stand will used to assess lower limb muscle strength. The required tools will include a straight-backed chair (43 cm seat height) and a timer. Participants will sit in the middle of the chair with their feet shoulder-width apart, crossing their arms at the wrists close to their chest. They will then stand fully and sit back down, counting this as one movement, which will be repeated for 30 seconds after the initial instruction.

    Measured: Outcome evaluations will be performed three times at pre-intervention (T1 baseline), after 24-weeks intervention (T2 post-test), and 6 months after intervention completion (T3 follow-up test).

  3. Physcal fitness_Upper limb muscle strength

    30-second Arm Curl will be used to evaluate upper limb muscle strength. This test will measure upper body strength using a 5-pound dumbbell, a chair without armrests, and a timer. Conducted on the stronger arm, participants will curl their arm through a full range of motion, turning the palm upward. They will fully bend and straighten the arm at the elbow, repeating this as many times as possible within 30 seconds.

    Measured: Outcome evaluations will be performed three times at pre-intervention (T1 baseline), after 24-weeks intervention (T2 post-test), and 6 months after intervention completion (T3 follow-up test)

  4. Physical fitness_Aerobic endurance

    Aerobic endurance will be measured by a 2-Minute Step Test. A timer will be used for this procedure. Participants will stand straight next to a wall, where a mark will indicate the midpoint between the kneecap and hip bone. They will step for two minutes, lifting their knees to the mark's height.

    Measured: Outcome evaluations will be performed three times at pre-intervention (T1 baseline), after 24-weeks intervention (T2 post-test), and 6 months after intervention completion (T3 follow-up test).

  5. Physical fitness_Lower body flexibility

    Lower body flexibility will be assessed by a Chair Sit-and-Reach Test. The required tools will include a ruler and a straight-backed chair about 43 cm high. Participants will sit on the edge of the chair, with one foot flat on the floor and the other leg extended forward, keeping the knee straight and the ankle at a 90° angle. They will reach forward toward their toes with overlapping hands, maintaining a straight back and keeping their heads up. The distance from their fingertips to their toes will be measured and held for a moment.

    Measured: Outcome evaluations will be performed three times at pre-intervention (T1 baseline), after 24-weeks intervention (T2 post-test), and 6 months after intervention completion (T3 follow-up test).

  6. Physical fitness_Upper body flexibility

    Upper body flexibility will be assessed by the Back Scratch Test. The required tool will be a ruler. Participants will place one hand behind their head and over their shoulder, reaching as far as possible with the palm against the body and fingers pointing down. The other arm will be positioned behind the back, with the palm facing outward and fingers pointing up, reaching to overlap the fingertips of both hands. The distance between the tips of the middle fingers will be measured.

    Measured: Outcome evaluations will be performed three times at pre-intervention (T1 baseline), after 24-weeks intervention (T2 post-test), and 6 months after intervention completion (T3 follow-up test).

  7. Physical fitness_Mobility and dynamic balance

    Mobility and dynamic balance will be measured by the 8-Foot Up-and-Go Test. The required tools will include a timer, a straight-backed chair about 43 cm high, a cone marker, and a measuring tape. The cone will be placed 2.4 m in front of the chair. Participants will start by sitting with their hands on their knees and feet flat on the ground. They will then stand up and walk quickly (without running) to round the cone and return to sit down. The time taken from standing to sitting will be measured.

    Measured: Outcome evaluations will be performed three times at pre-intervention (T1 baseline), after 24-weeks intervention (T2 post-test), and 6 months after intervention completion (T3 follow-up test).

  8. Fear of falling

    Fear of falling (FOF) will be measured using the Chinese version of the Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I). This scale includes questions adapted from the original 16-item FES-I questionnaire to evaluate FOF during specific daily activities. The total score of the questionnaire ranges from 16 to 64, and a higher score indicates that the individual perceives themselves as having a significant fear of falling, which can lead to reduced activity levels and an increased risk of social isolation. The Chinese version of SFES-I demonstrated good internal consistency and reliability, with a Cronbach's α of 0.88.

    Measured: Outcome evaluations will be performed three times at pre-intervention (T1 baseline), after 24-weeks intervention (T2 post-test), and 6 months after intervention completion (T3 follow-up test).

  9. Perceived quality of life

    The quality of life will be assessed using the brief version of the Hong Kong Chinese WHO Quality of Life Scale (WHOQOL-BREF) (Cronbach's α = .73 - .84). The scale includes 28 items, covering four dimensions of how older adults perceive their quality of life. The total score of the questionnaire ranges from 28 to 140, and a higher score indicates that the individual feels they have a high quality of life.

    Measured: Outcome evaluations will be performed three times at pre-intervention (T1 baseline), after 24-weeks intervention (T2 post-test), and 6 months after intervention completion (T3 follow-up test).

Timeline

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

  1. First posted21 Mar 2025
  2. Study start16 Oct 2024
  3. Primary completion28 Feb 2026 (estimated)
  4. Study completion15 Oct 2026 (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
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Model description
The present research follows a randomized controlled experimental design (RCT), parallel type with two groups in multi-centers, and is assessed in a pretest, posttest, and six months after the completion of the intervention. The participants will be randomly allocated to one experimental group, and one non-exercise control group. The non-exercise control group will be asked to attend a workshop. At the same time, the exercise group performs a HIIT program.
Masking
Single blind
Who is masked
Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
48 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT06888544
Sponsor's protocol ID
HMRF07220048
Status last verified
Dec 2024
First submitted
4 Feb 2025
Last updated
21 Mar 2025
Results posted
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No

Publications

  • Chapman, J. J., Coombes, J. S., Brown, W. J., Khan, A., Chamoli, S., Pachana, N. A., & Burton, N. W. (2017). The feasibility and acceptability of high-intensity interval training for adults with mental illness: A pilot study. Mental Health and Physical Activity, 13, 40-48

  • Grant A, Treweek S, Dreischulte T, Foy R, Guthrie B. Process evaluations for cluster-randomised trials of complex interventions: a proposed framework for design and reporting. Trials. 2013 Jan 12;14:15. doi: 10.1186/1745-6215-14-15.

    PubMed 23311722
  • Kwan MM, Tsang WW, Close JC, Lord SR. Development and validation of a Chinese version of the Falls Efficacy Scale International. Arch Gerontol Geriatr. 2013 Jan-Feb;56(1):169-74. doi: 10.1016/j.archger.2012.10.007. Epub 2012 Oct 30.

    PubMed 23116978
  • Marriott CFS, Petrella AFM, Marriott ECS, Boa Sorte Silva NC, Petrella RJ. High-Intensity Interval Training in Older Adults: a Scoping Review. Sports Med Open. 2021 Jul 19;7(1):49. doi: 10.1186/s40798-021-00344-4.

    PubMed 34279765
  • Carlson SA, Fulton JE, Schoenborn CA, Loustalot F. Trend and prevalence estimates based on the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. Am J Prev Med. 2010 Oct;39(4):305-13. doi: 10.1016/j.amepre.2010.06.006.

    PubMed 20837280
  • Zitzmann AL, Shojaa M, Kast S, Kohl M, von Stengel S, Borucki D, Gosch M, Jakob F, Kerschan-Schindl K, Kladny B, Lange U, Middeldorf S, Peters S, Schoene D, Sieber C, Thomasius F, Uder M, Kemmler W. The effect of different training frequency on bone mineral density in older adults. A comparative systematic review and meta-analysis. Bone. 2022 Jan;154:116230. doi: 10.1016/j.bone.2021.116230. Epub 2021 Oct 5.

    PubMed 34624560
  • Lin CY, Park JH, Hsueh MC, Sun WJ, Liao Y. Prevalence of Total Physical Activity, Muscle-Strengthening Activities, and Excessive TV Viewing among Older Adults; and Their Association with Sociodemographic Factors. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2018 Nov 8;15(11):2499. doi: 10.3390/ijerph15112499.

    PubMed 30413089
  • Pinheiro MB, Oliveira J, Bauman A, Fairhall N, Kwok W, Sherrington C. Evidence on physical activity and osteoporosis prevention for people aged 65+ years: a systematic review to inform the WHO guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviour. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act. 2020 Nov 26;17(1):150. doi: 10.1186/s12966-020-01040-4.

    PubMed 33239014
  • Nguyen VH. Osteoporosis prevention and osteoporosis exercise in community-based public health programs. Osteoporos Sarcopenia. 2017 Mar;3(1):18-31. doi: 10.1016/j.afos.2016.11.004. Epub 2016 Dec 24.

    PubMed 30775499

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing HIIT program for 24 weeks with a frequency of 2 times per week. in people with Osteopenia, run by Hong Kong Baptist University at 1 site in China.

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 7 inclusion and 6 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: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 21 Mar 2025. 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 China. 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?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

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

Contact Yanping Duan (34115638, duanyp@hkbu.edu.hk), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Bone mineral density (time frame: Outcome evaluations will be performed three times at pre-intervention (T1 baseline), after 24-weeks intervention (T2 post-test), and 6 months after intervention completion (T3 follow-up test).). The study lists 2 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 NCT06888544, which also lists 9 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 21 Mar 2025.

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