The Impact of Aerobic Exercise Program on Immunosenescence Institutionalized Older Adults
Starting soon · Not applicable
Conditions studied: Immunosenescence, Aging
In brief
Background: Immunosenescence is an age-related decline in immune function, associated with chronic low-grade inflammation, increased morbidity, and functional impairment in older adults. Aerobic exercise has been proposed as an effective non-pharmacological strategy to counteract these alterations; however, evidence from randomized-controlled trials (RCTs), particularly in institutionalized elderly populations, remains scarce and methodologically limited. Objective: This study protocol aims to investigate the effects of short- and medium-term aerobic exercise programs on immunosenescence in institutionalized older adults, as well as to analyze the impact of a detraining period and a subsequent reintervention. Methods: A stratified RCT will be conducted with institutionalized adults aged ≥60 years, randomly allocated to an aerobic exercise group or a control group. The intervention consists of a supervised 12-week moderate-intensity aerobic exercise program (three sessions/week), followed by a 4-week detraining period and a 4-week reintervention. Assessments will be performed at five time points. Primary outcomes include immunological and analytical parameters assessed by spectral flow cytometry and multiplex cytokine analysis. Secondary outcomes include anthropometry, functional capacity, hemodynamic parameters, heart rate variability, and psychological indicators. Expected Results: Aerobic exercise is expected to induce favorable immunological adaptations, partially reverse immunosenescence, and improve functional and psychosocial outcomes.
Key facts
- Study ID
- NCT07476911
- Run by
- Instituto Politécnico de Castelo Branco
- People needed
- 40
- Starts
- 2026-03-02
- Expected to finish
- 2026-10-30
- Last updated by the study team
- 2026-03-17
Who can join
Age: 60 and older. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: accepted.
You may qualify if…
- Participants must be aged 60 years or older and institutionalized. Studying institutionalised older adults ensures greater uniformity in diet, daily routines, behaviours, and environmental exposures, thereby minimising the impact of external factors other than the exercise intervention.
You may not qualify if…
- Participants will be excluded if they have acute conditions that may affect their immune or inflammatory responses. These conditions include recent trauma or surgery (within the previous six months), recent blood transfusions (within the previous month), acute infections (such as respiratory, gastrointestinal, or urinary infections), recent vaccinations, and the use of medications that may interfere with immune responses (such as immunomodulators, systemic corticosteroids, methotrexate, and biologics).
Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov
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