NCT06888544

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

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

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 48 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Hong Kong Baptist University · Academic / Other
• Sex: Female
• Age: 60 Years – 74 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

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 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.

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

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	HIIT program for 24 weeks with a frequency of 2 times per week.	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.
BEHAVIORAL	Non-exercise control	Workshop participants in the non-exercise control group will receive a series of workshops related to daily recreation.

Timeline

• Start date: 2024-10-16
• Primary completion: 2026-02-28
• Completion: 2026-10-15
• First posted: 2025-03-21
• Last updated: 2025-03-21

Locations

1 site across 1 country: China