Effects of Functional Task Training on Muscle Health and Function in Older Adults With Sarcopenia

Effect of Functional Task Training (FTT) on Functional, Physiological, and Structural Biomarkers in Older Adults With Sarcopenia

Sarcopenia is a condition associated with aging that causes a loss of muscle mass, strength, and physical function. This decline limits the ability to perform basic daily activities and increases the risk of falls and dependency.

The purpose of this clinical study is to determine the effects of a 12-week Functional Task Training (FTT) program on functional, structural, and physiological biomarkers in older adults with sarcopenia. FTT involves practicing everyday movements, such as standing up from a chair, climbing stairs, walking, and carrying objects.

The study aims to answer the following question: Does Functional Task Training performed specifically in optimal muscle power zones offer greater improvements in aging biomarkers compared to standard Functional Task Training or traditional resistance training?

The researchers hypothesize that while all exercise interventions will be beneficial, the FTT program focused on power zones will generate the greatest improvements in functional, physiological, and structural biomarkers in older adults with sarcopenia.

To test this, 30 older adults (aged 60 and older) will be randomly assigned to one of three active groups for a 12-week period (2 days per week): an FTT group training in power zones, a standard FTT group, or a traditional resistance training group. All exercise groups will use a Functional Electromechanical Dynamometer (DEMF) to precisely measure and control the training loads.

Study Overview

• Status: Active, not recruiting
• Conditions: Sarcopenia; Aging; Physical Functional Performance; Muscle Weakness | Patient
• Intervention / Treatment: Behavioral: Functional Task Training in Power Zones; Behavioral: Standard Functional Task Training; Behavioral: Traditional Resistance Training

Detailed Description

Population aging is a major public health challenge associated with a progressive decline in muscle function and functional capacity. Sarcopenia, characterized by age-related loss of muscle mass, strength, and function, increases the risk of falls, dependency, and mortality. Among muscular determinants, muscle power has been shown to be highly relevant for executing daily tasks and preventing falls.

In this context, Functional Task Training (FTT) has emerged as a promising strategy to improve muscle quality and functionality by simulating daily activities. Furthermore, the use of a Functional Electromechanical Dynamometer (DEMF) allows for precise load adjustment, replicating natural movements with controlled resistance, and providing accurate measurements of applied force, velocity, and power. Despite these advances, there is a gap in the literature regarding the specific impact of FTT-and particularly FTT executed in optimal power zones-on functional, physiological, and structural biomarkers in older populations.

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate these effects over a 12-week period in a sample of 30 older adults with sarcopenia.

Study Procedures and Progression:

Following initial screening and prior to baseline testing, participants will undergo two familiarization sessions to ensure safety and proper technique. During the 12-week intervention phase, participants will be randomized into one of three active training arms: FTT in Power Zones, Standard FTT, or Traditional Resistance Training (RT). All groups will attend supervised sessions 2 days per week.

A key methodological component of this study is the integration of the DEMF device across all three groups, which ensures electronic and progressive load adjustments. During the first session, the initial load will be determined through individual testing. Throughout the program, loads will be progressively increased on a weekly basis by 5% to 10%, depending on the individual's tolerance, performance, and specific group assignment (e.g., specific velocity and power targets for the FTT Power Zone group).

At the end of the 12-week intervention, all participants will undergo post-intervention assessments in the laboratory using the same instruments and standardized conditions to ensure consistency in the results.

Statistical Analysis:

Data normality will be evaluated using the Shapiro-Wilk test, and homogeneity of variance will be assessed with Levene's test. Repeated measures analysis of variance (Two-way ANOVA) will be used to evaluate intra- and inter-group changes, followed by a Tukey post hoc test if significant differences are found.

• Study Type: Interventional
• Enrollment (Estimated): 30
• Phase: Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

Study Locations

• Spain
  • Granada
    • Granada, Granada, Spain, 18006
      • Lab. IDAFISAD CTS 642 Faculty of Sports Science, Granada

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: Adult; Older Adult
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

Participants aged 60 years or older.

Diagnosis of probable or confirmed sarcopenia (according to EWGSOP2 criteria, including low handgrip strength and/or low muscle mass).

Ability to walk independently (with or without assistive devices).

Medically cleared to participate in a structured physical exercise program.

Voluntary participation and signed informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

Unstable cardiovascular disease, uncontrolled hypertension, or any medical condition where exercise is contraindicated.

Recent bone fractures or major surgeries within the last 6 months that limit physical activity.

Severe visual or auditory deficits that interfere with the training sessions.

Concurrent participation in another structured resistance training or functional exercise program.

Any musculoskeletal or neurological condition that prevents the safe use of the Functional Electromechanical Dynamometer (DEMF)

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Design Details

• Primary Purpose: Treatment
• Allocation: Randomized
• Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
• Masking: None (Open Label)

Number of Arms

3

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm	Intervention / Treatment
Experimental: FTT in Power Zones; Participants assigned to this experimental arm will undergo a 12-week Functional Task Training (FTT) program, 2 days per week. The intervention involves exercises simulating activities of daily living, such as sitting and standing from a chair, stair climbing, walking with directional changes, and lifting objects. Crucially, exercises will be performed using a Functional Electromechanical Dynamometer (DEMF) to ensure participants train specifically within their optimal muscle power zones. Execution velocity will be continuously monitored to electronically adjust loads based on individual power performance.	Behavioral: Functional Task Training in Power Zones; Participants will perform a 12-week Functional Task Training (FTT) program (2 sessions/week, 60 min/session). The circuit includes 4 specific functional tasks designed to simulate daily life demands: 1) Sit-to-stand from a chair, 2) Walking with changes of direction, 3) Lifting and carrying objects, and 4) Pulling/pushing movements. All exercises will be executed using a Functional Electromechanical Dynamometer (DEMF). This device provides constant electronic resistance and allows for the determination of the individual load that elicits peak power output. Training intensity will be strictly monitored to ensure participants perform each repetition within their optimal muscle power zone. Loads will be adjusted progressively (5-10% weekly) based on the velocity and power data provided by the device. Each session includes a warm-up, 3 sets of 10-12 repetitions per task, and a cool-down.
Experimental: Standard Functional Task Training (FTT); Participants assigned to this experimental arm will undergo a 12-week Functional Task Training (FTT) program, 2 days per week. The intervention consists of exercises simulating activities of daily living, including sit-to-stand, stair climbing, walking, and lifting objects. Exercises will be performed using the DEMF device following standard progressive load adjustments based on tolerance and performance, without specifically targeting optimal muscle power zones.	Behavioral: Standard Functional Task Training; Participants will perform a 12-week Functional Task Training (FTT) program (2 sessions/week, 60 min/session). The circuit includes 4 specific functional tasks: 1) Sit-to-stand from a chair, 2) Walking with changes of direction, 3) Lifting and carrying objects, and 4) Pulling/pushing movements. All exercises will be executed using the Functional Electromechanical Dynamometer (DEMF). Training follows standard progressive resistance protocols (5-10% weekly load increase) based on individual tolerance, without specifically targeting or monitoring the optimal muscle power zones.
Active Comparator: Traditional Resistance Training (RT); Participants assigned to this active comparator arm will complete a 12-week traditional resistance training program, 2 days per week. The protocol targets major muscle groups through conventional exercises (e.g., leg press, bench press). These exercises will also be performed using the DEMF device to control and monitor the training loads, but the focus will remain on traditional strength parameters rather than specific functional tasks or optimal power zones.	Behavioral: Traditional Resistance Training; Participants will complete a 12-week traditional resistance training program (2 sessions/week, 60 min/session). The protocol targets major muscle groups through 4 conventional analytical exercises (e.g., leg press, chest press, row, and leg extension). These exercises will be performed using the DEMF device to control and monitor the training loads. This group does not perform functional task simulations or power-zone specific training, following a standard hypertrophy and strength progression.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Muscle Thickness of the Rectus Femoris	Muscle thickness will be measured in centimeters (cm) using B-mode ultrasound. The assessment will be performed at the midpoint between the anterior superior iliac spine and the superior border of the patella. This measurement serves as a structural biomarker to evaluate changes in muscle mass. Higher values indicate an increase in muscle volume	Baseline and 12 weeks
Muscle Thickness of the Rectus Femoris (via Ultrasound)	Evaluation of muscle structural changes using B-mode ultrasound. The thickness (measured in centimeters) of the rectus femoris muscle will be assessed at the midpoint between the anterior superior iliac spine and the superior border of the patella. This measurement serves as a structural biomarker for muscle mass. Higher values indicate an increase in muscle volume and a reduction in sarcopenia-related atrophy.	Baseline and 12 weeks

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: Universidad de Granada

Publications and helpful links

General Publications

• Nieves-Silva R, Chirosa-Rios L, Chirosa-Rios IJ, Martinez-Garcia D, Jimenez-Lupion D, Jerez-Mayorga D. Effects of functional task training on physical performance in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur Geriatr Med. 2026 Feb;17(1):247-260. doi: 10.1007/s41999-025-01310-z. Epub 2025 Sep 18.

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): February 2, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): May 30, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): July 2, 2027

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: March 20, 2026
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: March 20, 2026
• First Posted (Actual): March 27, 2026

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): March 27, 2026
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: March 20, 2026
• Last Verified: March 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Keywords: aging population; functional training; task exercise
• Additional Relevant MeSH Terms: Neurologic Manifestations; Nervous System Diseases; Neuromuscular Manifestations; Pathological Conditions, Anatomical; Muscular Atrophy; Atrophy; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms; Signs and Symptoms; Sarcopenia
• Other Study ID Numbers: 5310/CEIH/2025-FTT; A.SEJ.227.UGR23 (Other Grant/Funding Number: Consejería de Universidad, Investigación e Innovación / Programa FEDER Andalucía)

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

• Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?: NO
• IPD Plan Description: Individual participant data (IPD) will not be shared with external researchers to ensure the strictly confidential treatment of participants' personal and health information. This decision is in accordance with the informed consent form approved by the Institutional Review Board and complies with current data protection regulations (GDPR) to protect the privacy of the older adults involved in the study.

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No