Efficacy of a Toe Flexion Training Protocol on Older Adults' Mobility

Efficacy of a Toe Flexion Training Protocol on Older Adults' Mobility

This randomized controlled trial aims to explore the effect of a toe flexion resistance training protocol on toe flexion strength and morphology, as well as in older adults (65-85 completed years) mobility related construct. The study consists of a 4 weeks control period, followed by 8 weeks intervention period and 4 weeks follow up.

During the first period participants are unaware of their allocation, while in the intervention period they will be allocated to a training intervention or a control group (habits maintenance). The primary outcome is the toes maximal voluntary isometric plantarflexion. The treatment effectiveness estimand is the same as in a pretest-posttest case control study, considering considering the end of the control period as pre-point. An estimation of the individual variability in response to the treatment will be provided.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age between 60 and 85 completed years;
• To be male or female;
• To be in good health meaning to be in a complete state of physical, mental and social well-being with the absence of pathologies, pain or complaints to the lower limbs,
• Be affiliated or beneficiary of a social security insurance;
• Having freely given their written consent after having been informed of the purpose, the procedure and the potential risks involved.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Use of pharmacological therapy to match gander identity; Have a major comorbidity corresponding to a score >4 points on the Charlson Comorbidity Index (French Version);
• Score <24 points in the MMSE-Fr;
• Have spasticity or severe cerebellar ataxia in the leg;
• Have an abnormal range of motion of the toes and/or ankle;
• Have a neurological or vestibular deficit that may affect walking or balance (lumbar-sacral radiculopathy, peripheral nerve pathology, Marfan or Eehlers-Danlos syndrome, etc.);
• Have a musculoskeletal injury that impairs walking or balance;
• Have a high resting heart rate (> 90 beats per minute) and blood pressure > 144/94 mmHg;
• Have a history of illness or conditions that would compromise the safety of the participant during the study;
• Participate at the same time in another medical interventional experiment or have participated in such a study in the 30 days preceding this study;
• Being unable to understand the purpose and conditions of the study, and to give consent;
• Being deprived of liberty or under guardianship.