Experimental gerontology最新文献

{"title":"Copper-to-zinc ratio predicts incident sarcopenia and adverse health outcomes: Results from I-Lan Longitudinal Aging Study","authors":"Kuan-Yu Peng ,&nbsp;Wei-Ju Lee ,&nbsp;Chih-Kuang Liang ,&nbsp;Li-Ning Peng ,&nbsp;Ming-Hsien Lin ,&nbsp;Ching-Hui Loh ,&nbsp;Fei-Yuan Hsiao ,&nbsp;Liang-Kung Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.exger.2025.112984","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.exger.2025.112984","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>The copper-to‑zinc (Cu/Zn) ratio is linked to inflammation and aging, but longitudinal evidence for sarcopenia remains limited. We examined associations of serum copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and Cu/Zn ratio with adverse health outcomes and sarcopenia.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Cu, Zn, and the Cu/Zn ratio were analyzed as continuous variables and by tertiles. The study included (1) a 5-year survival analysis assessing associations with adverse outcomes (falls, hospital admissions, emergency department visits, mortality, and a composite outcome); and (2) cross-sectional and 3-year longitudinal analysis examining their associations with prevalent and incident sarcopenia. Sarcopenia was defined based on the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019 criteria.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Over five years, 357 of 2015 participants experienced adverse events; 311 of 1474 non-sarcopenic participants developed incident sarcopenia over three years. Each standard deviation increase in the Cu/Zn ratio was associated with higher risks of adverse outcomes (aHR 1.18, 95 % CI 1.04–1.33, <em>p</em> = 0.008), hospitalization (aHR 1.23, 95 % CI 1.02–1.49, <em>p</em> = 0.030), mortality (aHR 1.50, 95 % CI 1.06–2.13, <em>p</em> = 0.021), and incident sarcopenia (aOR 1.39, 95 % CI 1.13–1.73, <em>p</em> &lt; 0.001). Higher Cu levels predicted low muscle mass (aOR 1.18, 95 % CI 1.05–1.33, <em>p</em> = 0.005), while higher Zn levels were protective against muscle weakness (aOR 0.84, 95 % CI 0.73–0.97, <em>p</em> = 0.015). Importantly, the association between the Cu/Zn ratio and incident sarcopenia remained significant after additional adjustment for cardiometabolic risk factors and inflammatory biomarkers.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Elevated serum Cu/Zn ratio predicts adverse outcomes and sarcopenia, highlighting its value as a biomarker for clinical risk in older adults.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94003,"journal":{"name":"Experimental gerontology","volume":"213 ","pages":"Article 112984"},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145673213","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Life after migration: A comparative study on successful aging in India","authors":"Bittu Mandal ,&nbsp;Kalandi Charan Pradhan ,&nbsp;Arun Balachandran","doi":"10.1016/j.exger.2025.112966","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.exger.2025.112966","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Understanding the dynamics of successful aging in India is crucial, especially in the context of a rising aging population. India, being home to one of the largest internal migrant population in the world, presents a unique context to examine how migration influences aging outcomes. This study investigates disparities in successful aging outcomes between migrant and non-migrant populations in India. Utilizing the Longitudinal Aging Study in India data (<em>n</em> = 23,690), it focuses on the impact of migration status, regional variations, and early life socio-economic and health conditions on aging. Logistic regression, propensity score matching and Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition are employed to explore the association between migration and successful aging. Results reveal significant disparities, with migrants less likely to achieve successful aging, particularly those from lower socio-economic backgrounds. Significant regional disparities and varied childhood socio-economic and health effects highlight the complex interplay between migration and socio-economic status in shaping successful aging trajectories in India. This study provides the first nationally representative evidence from India linking migration and aging, grounded in the Cumulative Inequality framework. The findings emphasize the need for migrant-inclusive aging and health policies, particularly improving portability of social protection, strengthening community-based care, and addressing gendered vulnerabilities to promote equitable and successful aging.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94003,"journal":{"name":"Experimental gerontology","volume":"212 ","pages":"Article 112966"},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145531071","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Plasma Alzheimer's biomarkers and physical functions in aging adults with and without motoric cognitive risk syndrome","authors":"Pei-Hao Chen ,&nbsp;Sang-I Lin ,&nbsp;Ying-Yi Liao ,&nbsp;Gwo-Chi Hu ,&nbsp;Fang-Yu Cheng","doi":"10.1016/j.exger.2025.112975","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.exger.2025.112975","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Mobility impairments such as slowed gait and diminished functional capacity are increasingly recognized as early indicators of neurodegenerative processes in aging, including Alzheimer's disease. While cerebrospinal fluid and imaging biomarkers have shown links to physical decline, blood-based biomarkers offer a less invasive and more scalable alternative. However, their associations with physical performance across different stages of cognitive aging remain insufficiently explored. This study aimed to examine the cross-sectional associations between plasma amyloid beta 42 and total tau levels and physical function in older adults with normal cognition, motoric cognitive risk syndrome, and mild Alzheimer's disease.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A total of 159 community-dwelling older adults were enrolled and categorized into three cognitive groups. Plasma biomarker levels were measured using immunomagnetic reduction assays. Physical function was assessed using gait speed, Timed Up and Go, tandem stance, and dual-task walking. Generalized linear models were applied to assess associations between biomarkers and performance within each group.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Higher plasma amyloid beta 42 levels were significantly associated with poorer Timed Up and Go performance in the full sample and in those with motoric cognitive risk syndrome. Unexpectedly, higher plasma total tau levels were positively associated with gait speed in the motoric cognitive risk group. No significant associations were observed for balance or dual-task performance.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Plasma biomarkers may reflect stage-specific mobility changes in aging populations. Their integration with performance-based tests may support early identification of functional decline and guide timely interventions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94003,"journal":{"name":"Experimental gerontology","volume":"212 ","pages":"Article 112975"},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145618066","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The interactive influences of sleep duration and activities of daily living on low back pain: Insights from CHARLS","authors":"Yang Xu ,&nbsp;Fei Jiang ,&nbsp;Bin Zheng ,&nbsp;Guang-Lei Zhang ,&nbsp;Ren-Hu Li","doi":"10.1016/j.exger.2025.112986","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.exger.2025.112986","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>To quantify interactions between sleep duration and activities of daily living (ADL) limitations on low back pain (LBP) in Chinese adults ≥45 years using China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) data.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This study presents a cross-sectional analysis of CHARLS data collected between 2011 and 2015. Participants self-reported their sleep duration and LBP experiences. ADL limitations were assessed using a 12-item scale. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the interaction effects of sleep duration and ADL limitations on LBP.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Short sleep (OR = 1.50, 95 % CI 1.32, 1.70), basic activities of daily living (BADL) limitation (OR = 2.22, 95 % CI 1.68, 2.95), and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) limitation (OR = 2.01, 95 % CI 1.72, 2.36) were independently associated with LBP. Multiplicative interactions were significant for short sleep with BADL (OR = 3.03, 95 % CI 1.97, 4.67) and IADL (OR = 1.94, 95 % CI 1.53, 2.45), and for long sleep with BADL (OR = 2.54, 95 % CI 1.41, 4.56) and IADL (OR = 1.62, 95 % CI 1.20, 2.18). Additive synergy was found in adults ≥60 years with short sleep and BADL (RERI = 2.81, AP = 0.56, S = 3.32), while long sleep and IADL showed antagonism (RERI = -1.30, AP = -0.68, S = 0.41).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>In adults ≥60 years, short sleep combined with BADL limitation exhibits an additive interaction on LBP, while long sleep combined with IADL limitation shows antagonism. Therefore, longitudinal studies are needed for causality and targeted interventions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94003,"journal":{"name":"Experimental gerontology","volume":"213 ","pages":"Article 112986"},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145673262","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"High Torque teno virus viremia predicts long-term mortality and reflects chronic low-grade inflammation (inflammaging) in geriatric inpatients","authors":"Laura Cianfruglia ,&nbsp;Gretta Veronica Badillo Pazmay ,&nbsp;Carlo Fortunato ,&nbsp;Pietro Giorgio Spezia ,&nbsp;Federica Novazzi ,&nbsp;Francesco Piacenza ,&nbsp;Marco Malavolta ,&nbsp;Francesca Marchegiani ,&nbsp;Rina Recchioni ,&nbsp;Giulia Matacchione ,&nbsp;Chiara Giordani ,&nbsp;Maurizio Cardelli ,&nbsp;Tiziana Casoli ,&nbsp;Mirko Di Rosa ,&nbsp;Antonio Cherubini ,&nbsp;Giuseppe Pelliccioni ,&nbsp;Riccardo Sarzani ,&nbsp;Francesco Spannella ,&nbsp;Fabrizia Lattanzio ,&nbsp;Anna Rita Bonfigli ,&nbsp;Robertina Giacconi","doi":"10.1016/j.exger.2025.112978","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.exger.2025.112978","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Torque teno virus (TTV) is a ubiquitous virus whose viremia increases in conditions of immune dysfunction and aging, suggesting its potential role as a biomarker of immunosenescence. This study investigated the association between TTV viremia and all-cause mortality risk over seven years in a hospitalized older cohort, and its relationship with inflammatory markers including osteopontin (OPN) and growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15). Data from 956 patients were analyzed, with high TTV load defined as ≥5 log DNA copies/mL. High TTV viremia was significantly associated with increased mortality risk at 1, 3, and 7 years independently of age, sex, comorbidities, and inflammatory markers. In stratified analyses, this association was significant at one year in both males and females, but persisted at three and seven years only in males. The strongest association was observed in participants aged 80–89 years, remaining significant across all follow-up periods. When patients were stratified by a composite immune score reflecting degrees of immunosenescence, high TTV viremia predicted increased mortality among those with intermediate or severe immune dysfunction, persisting up to seven years in the most immunosenescent subgroup. Patients with elevated TTV loads exhibited increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), decreased serum albumin and hemoglobin, and significantly higher plasma levels of OPN and GDF15, whereas IL-10 tended to decrease. No significant differences were observed for neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, IL-6, CD163, CCL22, or CXCL9 between high and low TTV viremia groups. These findings indicate that high TTV viremia independently predicts mortality risk and reflects a pro-inflammatory and immunosenescent state.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94003,"journal":{"name":"Experimental gerontology","volume":"213 ","pages":"Article 112978"},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145673272","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Associations between sleep duration trajectories and sarcopenia among middle-aged and older Chinese adults","authors":"Wanli Deng ,&nbsp;Changqing Li ,&nbsp;Xiaojiang Zhao","doi":"10.1016/j.exger.2025.112972","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.exger.2025.112972","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The association between a single time-point measurement of sleep duration and sarcopenia has been extensively explored in existing literature. However, the potential link between sleep duration trajectories and sarcopenia remains largely unexplored. This study aims to assess the relationship between sleep duration trajectories and sarcopenia within a longitudinal cohort of middle-aged and older Chinese individuals.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This study analyzed a substantial cohort of participants (n = 6305), aged 45 to 80, drawn from the China Longitudinal Study of Health and Retirement (CHARLS). Sleep duration data, collected at intervals from 2011 to 2015, were employed to plot sleep duration trajectories using group-based trajectory modeling (GBTM). Sarcopenia was assessed utilizing data from 2015. Subsequently, a multivariable logistic regression model was applied to investigate the association between varying sleep duration trajectories and the risk of sarcopenia.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Four distinct trajectories of sleep duration were identified: Class 1, characterized by persistently long sleep duration (n = 1391, 22.06 %); Class 2, characterized by persistently high-normal sleep duration (n = 2129, 33.77 %); Class 3, characterized by persistently low-normal sleep duration (n = 1401, 22.22 %); and Class 4, characterized by persistently short sleep duration (n = 1384, 21.95 %). In the model 0, both persistently long sleep duration (OR: 1.83, 95 % CI: 1.50–2.24; p &lt; 0.001) and persistently short sleep duration (OR: 1.76, 95 % CI: 1.44–2.15; p &lt; 0.001) were notably correlated with a greater risk of sarcopenia when compared to persistently high-normal sleep duration. Furthermore, the stratified analyses generally corroborated the primary findings.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Both persistently long and short sleep duration trajectories are associated with an elevated risk of sarcopenia, compared to persistently high-normal sleep duration trajectories among middle-aged and older Chinese adults. Furthermore, the findings highlight the essential need to monitor changes in sleep duration over time.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94003,"journal":{"name":"Experimental gerontology","volume":"212 ","pages":"Article 112972"},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145590469","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Corrigendum to “Regulatory mechanisms of transforming growth factor-β in senescence of fibroblast associated with refractory skin diseases” [Exp. Gerontol. Volume 211, November 2025, 112900]","authors":"Yujie Zheng ,&nbsp;Jindi Lei ,&nbsp;An Zhang ,&nbsp;Cheng Cao ,&nbsp;Aie Xu ,&nbsp;Miaoni Zhou ,&nbsp;Fuquan Lin","doi":"10.1016/j.exger.2025.112934","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.exger.2025.112934","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":94003,"journal":{"name":"Experimental gerontology","volume":"212 ","pages":"Article 112934"},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145373224","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Mechanism by which 24-week different-volume high-intensity interval training ameliorates renal fibrosis in naturally aging rats via regulating the TGF-β1/Smad pathway","authors":"Jiabao. Zhang ,&nbsp;Kaiyin. Cui ,&nbsp;Huiting. Wei ,&nbsp;Hao. Su","doi":"10.1016/j.exger.2025.112977","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.exger.2025.112977","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To investigate the effects of 24-week different-volume high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on renal fibrosis in naturally aging rats and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms based on the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Forty 12-month-old male Wistar rats were randomly divided into a baseline control group (Group B, <em>n</em> = 10), a natural aging control group (Group C, <em>n</em> = 10), a high-volume HIIT group (Group H1, 25-min, n = 10), and a low-volume HIIT group (Group H2, 15-min, n = 10). Group B was sacrificed at the beginning of the experiment. Group C was fed without exercise for 24 weeks. Groups H1 and H2 underwent treadmill training with corresponding volumes (3 days/week for 24 weeks). An incremental volume test was conducted every 4 weeks to adjust exercise intensity. Body weight, blood, and urine indicators were monitored every 4 weeks. ELISA was used to measure 24-h urinary protein, serum creatinine, and creatinine clearance rate in each group. Body composition was monitored using DEXA every 8 weeks. After the intervention, renal tissues were collected. Pathological morphology and fibrosis degree were observed via HE and Masson staining. The gene and protein expression of TGF-β1, Smad2, Smad3, and p-Smad2/3 in the kidneys were detected using qPCR and Western blot.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Compared with Group C, both HIIT groups effectively inhibited the age-related increase in body fat percentage and loss of lean body mass (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05), significantly reduced 24-h urinary protein levels, maintained stable serum creatinine, and increased creatinine clearance rate (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). Histological results showed that renal pathological damage was reduced in both HIIT groups, and the collagen volume fraction (CVF) was significantly lower than in Group C (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.01). Molecular mechanism studies revealed that the expression of key molecules in the TGF-β1/Smad pathway was significantly higher in Group C than in Group B (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). In contrast, HIIT intervention significantly suppressed the activation of this pathway, with Group H1 showing more comprehensive effects in reducing the protein expression of TGF-β1, Smad2/3, and p-Smad2/3.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>24-week HIIT intervention can effectively delay the decline of renal function and the progression of renal fibrosis in naturally aging rats. Its protective effect may be associated with inhibiting the overactivation of the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway. High-volume HIIT (H1) induced a more profound suppression of the pro-fibrotic pathway, whereas low-volume HIIT (H2) represents a time-efficient strategy conferring notable protection at the phenotypic level.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94003,"journal":{"name":"Experimental gerontology","volume":"212 ","pages":"Article 112977"},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145618065","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The interplay between the immune microenvironment and bone aging: From molecular mechanisms to therapeutic interventions","authors":"Jianxu Wang ,&nbsp;Yijun Xin ,&nbsp;Zihao Dong ,&nbsp;Siying Li ,&nbsp;Guang Yang","doi":"10.1016/j.exger.2025.112974","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.exger.2025.112974","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The core mechanism of skeletal aging lies in the comprehensive disruption of microenvironmental homeostasis, involving a multidimensional interactive network comprising immune cells, mesenchymal stem cells, and their differentiated lineages. Although osteoporosis (OP) and osteoarthritis (OA) have traditionally been viewed as distinct degenerative disorders, recent breakthroughs in osteoimmunology reveal their shared immune-aging mechanism: immune cell dysfunction within the bone marrow microenvironment triggers inflammaging, subsequently driving a vicious cycle of bone formation and resorption through the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). This review not only integrates the molecular landscape of osteoclast-osteoblast-immune triangular crosstalk but also highlights emerging mechanisms such as mitochondrial dysfunction, exosomal communication, and cell death mechanisms, systematically establishing the pivotal role of the immune microenvironment in bone aging and providing a theoretical framework for developing next-generation targeted therapies against skeletal aging.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94003,"journal":{"name":"Experimental gerontology","volume":"212 ","pages":"Article 112974"},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145618067","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploring how exercise frequency impacts muscle strength and balance in institutionalized older adults: Protocol for a randomized controlled trial","authors":"Filipe Rodrigues ,&nbsp;Bernardo Pereira ,&nbsp;Elisabete Silva ,&nbsp;Diogo Monteiro ,&nbsp;Raul Antunes","doi":"10.1016/j.exger.2025.112985","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.exger.2025.112985","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This protocol for a randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the impact of exercise frequency on muscle strength, balance, and fall risk among institutionalized older adults. Recognizing the unique physical and functional limitations of this population, the study will test whether two or three weekly sessions of multicomponent exercise yield differential outcomes. Sixty participants residing in nursing homes will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: a control group performing exercise twice weekly and an experimental group training three times weekly, over a 12-week intervention period. All sessions will follow international guidelines for older adults, incorporating aerobic, strength, balance, and flexibility training at light-to-moderate intensity. Primary outcomes include lower- and upper-body strength and dynamic balance; secondary outcomes comprise waist circumference, body mass index, and fall incidence. The program is designed with progressive adaptation and safety in mind, employing the Talk Test to regulate intensity and standardized measures to monitor physiological responses. The rationale stems from the gap in existing literature regarding optimal exercise frequency for institutionalized populations. While two sessions per week have been associated with functional improvements, it remains unclear whether an additional weekly session provides significant incremental benefits. By isolating frequency as the primary variable, the trial addresses the need to define the minimum effective dose of structured exercise for enhancing physical activity, functional capacity, and reducing fall risk. Results are expected to inform tailored physical activity guidelines and implementation strategies in long-term care settings, balancing clinical efficacy with feasibility and safety constraints typical of institutional environments.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94003,"journal":{"name":"Experimental gerontology","volume":"213 ","pages":"Article 112985"},"PeriodicalIF":4.3,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145673237","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}